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Dendrology and Autecology is a core course in several undergraduate curricula of the College of Forest Resources.

FIELD SKILLS

TO STUDENTS: What is this course about?

Dendrology and Autecology explore the diversity, structure and function of forest trees, with the goal of understanding features that allow species to occupy different physical and biological environments and allow the management of forests for a variety of objectives.

The first half of the course (Dendrology) emphasizes the indentification and general adaptations of tree and shurb species. The second half of the course (Autecology) builds on this foundation to discuss and develop an understanding of the physiological mechanismsn ad morphological responses that enable forest tree species to develop and grow in the varied environments of the Pacific Northwest.

The field trips provide the real life framework for investigating these topics. We will visit several different environments, asking two basic questions at tree-to-landscape scales: What species are present (in what numbers and sizes)? Why-- i.e, what interactions between species, environment and disturbance have been important? The analysis of field situations illustrates how an understanding of a few key biological characteristics enables one to interpret patterns of species distribution, understand productivity, and predict responses to manipulation.

The laboratories link the field and classroom experience by providing hands-on opportunities to examine tree structures and growth patterns.

Skills are developed in different aspects of the course: describing site characteristics, keying plants, sampling and measuring trees and stands, quantifying tree and stand structure, writing reports, giving oral presentations.

LEAD INSTRUCTORS:

Linda Brubaker 202 Winkenwerder lbru@u.washington.edu

Tom Hinckley Center for Urban Horticulture, hinckley@u.washington.edu

LEAD TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Stephanie Innis: sinnis@u.washington.edu

Bert Loosmore: nhl@u.washington.edu

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Last Update:
Autumn 2001