Start Date
11/01/2023
End Date
11/15/2023
Description
Trees play an outsized role in our natural ecosystems¬—they provide habitat and food for literally thousands of species, they support nutrient cycling in forest systems through leaf-drop and decomposition, they mediate temperatures, attenuate flooding and soil erosion, and are culturally significant to the residents, both current and indigenous, of the mid-Atlantic region. In this class, the ecological aspects of trees will be explored—the basics of tree structure; anatomy and care; their contributions (in both life and death) to forest ecology; why conservation of large, mature trees is important; and how climate change might affect forest composition in the future.
Course Outline
Each class will include lecture, discussion, demonstration, Q&A, and lunch breaks. Each of the three days will cover one of the following topics.
1. Basic intro to tree anatomy and the functioning of primary components: roots, stem, branches, leaves, and flowers/fruit
2. The forest: an optimal model
? Forest soil – nutrient cycling – an entire universe of life in its own right – tree root systems in this setting: competition and cooperation + interconnectedness
? Tree growth in the forest – competition and cooperation again – tall, upright trees forming canopy over understory and groundcover
? The forest climate: atmosphere and moisture
? Over their lifespan, how do trees support the rest of an immense community of organisms? (Examples from maturation, decline, and decay)
3. Climate issues
? What are the effects of climate change and large-scale development on a forest ecosystem?
? Basic explanation of carbon sequestration and its importance
? Preserve old, large trees or plant many new trees? Could we plant our way out of the problem?
Location
Hockessin, DE
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Horticulture / Plants
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
12.0
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will gain a basic introduction to tree anatomy and the functioning of primary components: roots, stem, branches, leaves, and flowers/fruit.
2. Students will learn and explore the optimal model for a healthy forest.
3. Students will learn and discuss climate issues related to forests.
Instructors
Mt. Cuba certified arborists and visiting lecturers
Course Codes
Provider
Mt. Cuba Center