Place-Based Learning in Applied Undergraduate Forest Ecology Labs (Journal Article)

***______{For Hard Copy, Please visit Library.}________***

Abstract: While educationally beneficial, place-based learning can be challenging to implement in an applied forest ecology course that draws a diversity of students with limited forest experience. I describe a semester-long sequence of labs designed to instill place-based learning principles. The semester begins with an observational lab to develop an initial personal forest relationship, with future learning reinforcing and cultivating this bond. Forest-specific labs cover key applied ecology concepts while continuing to expand on students’ place knowledge with an overarching forest management plan to provide real-world application and expression of understanding.