Derya viewing a Red Eyed Vireo

PsTL 1112, Nature in the City, is an introductory biology course that teaches students how to identify common plants and animals while visiting park reserves around the Twin Cities metro area. Textbook readings introduce students to the concepts of evolution, climate, and ecosystem function. Outdoor laboratory activities include field surveys in which students measure the soil, moisture, and light parameters and their influence on plant communities.

Jesse Kroese sampling Sumac 

This summer the class has traveled to a selection of Twin Cities parks to highlight the integrated roles that animals, plants, humans, and climate play in contributing to the health of the many ecosystems that converge in eastern Minnesota. On their last field trip (a particularly breezy, sunny and 70 degree day) students in Jesse Kroese's Nature in the City class explored Hyland Regional Park in Bloomington. The objective was to learn about prairie and hardwood forest ecosystems. Students also identified birds and observed species such as Northern Leopard Frogs and Painted Turtle.

Andy and Dana catching their first look at an Eastern Kingbird.

Students spent their time looking and listening to the variety of species that inhabit the park. As students hiked through the prairie and hardwood forest trails they were asked to identify many plants and then discuss characteristics of the plants. As students identified plant species such as Quaking Aspen, Common Milkweed, Catnip, and Ironwood, they discussed whether species were invasive or native, their historic medicinal uses, and what their role was in the ecosystem. Students left the field trip with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexity of an ecosystem.

Painted Turtle

Jesse Kroese points out a bird call.