Fundamentals of Field Ecology 2011

Application due date:   Rolling admissions until full

The Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station, located in the beautiful hill country southwest of Albany, NY is an important natural area for researchers, educators, and people seeking peace and serenity. Among the natural treasures found on the Preserve are hardwood stands more than 200 years old, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond and the dramatic Rensselaerville Falls. These different environments provide a haven for a rich array of flora and fauna. The Preserve, one of the oldest independent biological research stations in the United States, has supported important scientific discoveries, such as bats’ use of echolocation by Dr. Donald Griffin, which played a significant role in the development of radar and sonar in the early 1940s. Prominent research in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology continue at the Preserve.

Fundamentals of Field Ecology (FFE) is a 3-week immersion program that introduces students to the basics of ecology. FFE provides the opportunity to work on a project directed by a professional field researcher and conduct a rigorous small group research project. This program aims to provide a significant academic experience that will help students prepare for college level biology classes and research.

Week 1   The first week includes an introduction to principles of ecology and field research methods. While learning about the insects, fungus, plants, birds and mammals that live in the different habitats found in the Huyck Preserve, students will gain experience with various field research methods. FFE participants will use field journals for data collection as well as field sketches to capture their experiences.

Week 2  During the second week, students will act as research assistants to Senior Scientists conducting long-term research at the Huyck Preserve. Working side-by-side with researchers, students will learn professional field research techniques, science literacy, and skills that will help them excel in the college environment. Opportunities for students to earn 24 hours of community service are part of week 2. Community service projects include training on invasive plant identification/removal and trail building.

Week 3   The FFE course will culminate with students utilizing the knowledge gained over the prior two weeks to conduct a group field research project. They will present their project and results to the Huyck community on the last night.

2010 Course Syllabus

Instructors:
The following is a list of instructors for the FFE course held in 2010. Most of these instructors will return for 2011.

Susan W. Beatty, Ph.D., Cornell, 1981, is Associate Dean for Natural Sciences and Professor of Geography at the University of Colorado.  Her interests are in biogeography, soils and plant ecology. She has worked extensively on the effects of both natural and anthropogenic disturbances in temperate forests, California chaparral and grasslands of North America and China. Her research on species richness in deciduous forests of the northeastern U.S. has been supported by the National Science Foundation and her work on the stability of grazed grasslands has been sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences (PRC) and the Nature Conservancy (CA). Currently her interests are in integrating fine and coarse-scale vegetation processes to determine potential response to disturbances such as global climate change.

Alvin R. Breisch, Director of NYS Amphibian and Reptile Atlas, NYS DEC

Chris Collins, Ph.D. candidate, University at Albany & NYS Museum

John Haines, Ph.D., is the former New York State Mycologist and Curator Emeritus of Mycology at the New York State Museum.

Chad Jemison, the Executive Director of the Huyck Preserve, is the former Program Director of Adirondack Field Ecology, a month-long course for high school students offered in partnership with Paul Smiths College. During his graduate work he led a month-long course at Teton Science School called High School Field Ecology in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Sandra Orris has a B.A. in biology, M.S. in Botany, and M.A. Ed. Sci. She has conducted genetics research at Indiana University and biophysics research at SUNY Albany. As a high school teacher at Greenville Central HS she taught chemistry, physics, and advanced biology. Currently she spends her time as a scientific illustrator specializing in drawing scientifically accurate zoological and botanical illustrations.

Rebecca A. Pinder, Ph.D. candidate, University at Albany, Albany, NY

George Robinson, Ph.D., is Co-Director of the Graduate program in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Public Policy; Co-Director of Campus Natural Areas Studies; and Associate Professor at SUNY Albany. He teaches many classes at SUNY Albany including Plant Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, and graduate seminars in Ecology and Biodiversity. His current research includes ecological impact of widespread tree disease, spatial stability and population dynamics in a fragmented urban forest preserve, and habitat islands as tools for restoration.

Student Life

Housing: The Huyck Preserve has residential facilities that houses up to 30 people. Program participants will have the unique opportunity to interact with staff, scientists, graduate students, and college interns conducing field research while at the field station. Students will stay at the Field Station in rooms that accommodate 3-4 students each. Supervision will be provided during the evenings and at night by paid staff. Showers are available in a separate building. Laundry facilities are available and students need to bring linens, towels and appropriate clothing. A list of suggested items to bring will be supplied with acceptance letters.

Meals: Meals will be prepared by staff with help from the students. Students will take turns helping with meal preparation and clean-up. Breakfast and dinner will usually be served at the field station. Lunches will be prepared in the mornings for later in the day.

Activities: During free time, students can participate in several activities including; swimming, hiking, visiting the waterfalls, bird watching, and fishing. Evenings will provide the opportunity for naturalist led “nature's nightlife” and constellation identification tours, campfires, movie night. Please note that there are no TV's available at the Preserve. Computers, cell phones and internet access are available for use during limited times.

Application Process

Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors may apply.

A completed application includes:

1. The application form available on line at www.huyckpreserve.org
2. Letter of recommendation from a science teacher or guidance counselor (please use the form provided).
3. A personal statement (not to exceed 250 words) explaining why you want to participate in the Summer Research Immersion Program

E-mail completed applications to info@huyckpreserve.org,with “FFE_Applicant’s Name” in the subject line. Or send the application by mail to:
Huyck Preserve - FFE, PO Box 189, Rensselaerville, NY 12147. 

Rolling Admissions:
The FFE course will include up to 14 select students. Once this limit is reached, applications will no longer be considered.
 
Program Fees: 
The program fee is $3,495 and includes room, board, and tuition. A $900 deposit is required on acceptance into the program to secure enrollment. The remainder of the tuition is due 1 month prior to the start of the program (June 17).

Financial Aid: 
Need-based financial aid is available to cover  program fees. To apply for financial aid, please fill out a financial aid form available at www.huyckpreserve.org and return it with your application. Financial aid will be announced at the time of acceptance.

Cancellation Policy: 
If you withdraw from the program the following refund rates apply:
Up to 1 month before start date (June 18) 100% refund
Less than 1 month to 7 days prior to start date (July 9) 50% refund

 Last Updated: 5/16/11 |  Huyck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY  |  Contact Us