STEM Academies- Restoration Ecology Academy 4 Week Session

Ecological Restoration is the practice of intervening to renew degraded ecosystems. With the wide variation of ecosystems, even here in Colorado, how do researchers determine which ecological sites need restoration and which are healthy? The Restoration Ecology Academy will take an in depth look at the ecosystems in Colorado. We will examine how ecosystems are evaluated. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside researchers to gather and analyze data from our local Mud Lake near Nederland, Colorado. They will learn about the components and functions of healthy ecosystems by taking several field trips to local ecological sites where they will practice evaluating the state of ecosystem functions. With the foundation of ecosystems built we will then explore the many ways invasive species can alter ecosystem characteristics such as water quality, soil structure, biodiversity, and wildfire cycles. After learning how invasive species can throw off an ecosystem’s balance we will explore how we can use that knowledge to help restore ecosystem functions. WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE? Students who are interested in learning about the relationship that we have with our ecosystems and the process that goes into the restoration of broken ecosystems. HIGHLIGHTS This academy involves a lot of field work, and students will visit various sites around the Boulder area and discuss erosion and invasive species, learn how to collect data for analysis, and study the effects of environmental change.