FALL 2013 - Fleming College

Environmental Field Skills Certificate
Program Highlights
This new Continuing Education Certificate, offered by our School of
Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, provides hands-on
activities and skills in the identification, sampling, measurement and
classification of organisms and habitats within our ecosystem. Learn
practical techniques and protocols for the collection, recording and
reporting of field data, as well as safe field practices. The certificate
comprises six courses plus a two-week field placement. All courses
take place at Frost Campus and run during the daytime. Enrol in all the
courses within the certificate, or take one or more courses at a time,
depending on your needs and interests.
The courses are available starting in May as well as in January, with the
exception of the Field Placement course, which is offered starting in
August and again in April.
Is This for You?
These Field Skills Courses are for:
• University graduates who may be eligible for advanced standing
entry to the Ecosystem Management Technology or Environmental
Technician program, but who may need these fundamental field skills
for success in these programs.
• Environmental sector employees who want to enhance their portfolio
of skills and increase their employment opportunities.
• Community members and volunteers with an interest in learning more
about our natural world.
Admission Requirements:
The minimum admission requirement for entrance into this program is:
19 years of age or older, or an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or its
equivalent.
MANDATORY COURSES
Ecology: Concepts and Linkages
Ecology: Concepts and Linkages introduces contemporary theory,
ideology and practices of ecosystem management. Students use
qualitative and quantitative methodology, historical context, and
selected experiences to assemble ecological data and information into
knowledge that functions to benefit ecosystems. The course integrates
ecology, environmental and ecosystem health sciences to assist in the
understanding and sequential application of ecosystem management
practices.
Forest Measurement
This course deals with specific measurements and assessment methods
for forests. The course involves laboratory sessions and field trips.
Measurement of tree height, tree diameter, basal area, land area, and
tree volume is studied. The Canadian Fire Weather Index system is
introduced. Fixed area sampling, point sampling, tree marking, and fuel
loading are field trip topics.
Soil Studies I
The Common Lecture/Lab portion of the Soil Studies course provides an
introduction to the physical and chemical properties of soils. Students
develop skills in the identification and classification of soil, physical and
index properties, textures, soil moisture, soil porosity, and other aspects
of soil science using a variety of field and laboratory methods.
Soil Studies II course for the Ecosystem Management and
Forestry
Technician Programs continues with physical and chemical properties
of soils and introduces the biological component required for the understanding
of forest soils. The student will determine soil textures, pH;
moisture regimes and drainage, identification of mineral and organic soil
profiles: application of the Forest Ecosystem Classification methodology,
and perform a soil/site description in the field. Throughout the course
analytical skills will be developed that are typical of site evaluation and
environmental studies.
Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario
This course deals with the identification of approximately 100 species of
trees and shrubs of importance to those managing the forests resources
of Ontario. Throughout the semester identification features for common
trees and shrubs in both summer and winter condition are introduced
and applied. A number of field trips are utilized to assist students with
their identification skills. In the weekly lecture series topics such as
tree growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, forest ecology
and uses of trees will be introduced. At the completion of the course
students will have a sound working knowledge of dendrology. The skills
introduced in this semester may then be used in following semesters
when working with Forest Ecosystem Classification, Restoration Ecology,
Conservation Planning and other habitat management situations.
Wildlife Observation Skills
This course is an introduction to a range of skills in wildlife observation.
A variety of wildlife species may be present in an environment despite
not being seen. Important skills include visual and auditory identification
of wildlife signs. The primary emphasis in this course will be on
identification of wildlife signs such as tracks, trail patterns, scat, skulls,
impacts on the environment, bird song and amphibian calls. Whenever
possible it is important to achieve visual observation and documentation
of wildlife. Photography will be examined as a tool to document wildlife
and their signs. Studies of wildlife observation technology will include
an evaluation of binoculars and spotting scopes. Wildlife observation
projects and groups will be reviewed including the Christmas Bird Count
and breeding bird surveys. Lab instruction will be augmented with field
trips to observe signs of local wildlife and when possible to document
actual wildlife sightings.
Field Placement – Field Skills
This 80-hour (2 week) course will take place during August. The student
will be engaged in a Field Placement for an organization whose primary
focus and core business is of an environmental nature.
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These courses will run in 2014. To reserve your spot or for more information, contact:
Joy Cyr at 1-888-269-6929 ext. 3310 or joy.cyr@flemingcollege.ca