Course Overview
Of all the ecosystems on earth, none has been more dramatically affected by humanity than native grasslands. Although native grasslands at one time covered 40% of the North American continent, the vast majority have been transformed into agricultural lands, urban settings, and other settlement uses, with less than 1% remaining today. Grasslands are recognized as one of BC’s most threatened ecosystems. Grasslands represent less than 1% of the provincial land base, making them more endangered than old-growth forests. However, BC’s grasslands account for 30% of our species at risk. This course will provide students with the tools to evaluate health of grassland habitats (old fields, native grasslands, and range lands), methods to assess grassland communities, and techniques to restore grassland habitats. This course will require multiday field trips on weekends to the interior of BC.
Prerequisite(s)
- RENR 7100, or by departmental approval.
Credits
4.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Evaluate the health of grassland habitats through:
- Identification of native and invasive/exotic species found in grassland habitats.
- Assessment of the current health of grassland habitats with respect to wildlife, ecology, recreational, and First Nations’ values.
- Contrast various sampling techniques to assess grassland communities.
- Assess various techniques aimed at restoring grassland habitats, including: prescribe burning, chemical control, mechanical control, biological control.
- Design a restoration plan aimed at restoring a specific degraded grassland habitat.
Effective as of Winter 2013
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.