Measure stream velocity. Collect insects. Cast wolf tracks. Document the red-backed
salamander population. Count birds. Cruise a timber stand. Join the 80-acre club.
Taught right here at the Ford Center, students get the chance to live what they are
learning. With the opportunity to move into the onsite dorm and take advantage of
the home cooked meals, the Integrated Field Practicum - Fall or Summer “Camp” - is
the only semester-long, off-campus experience in the US that is attended by natural
resource students, putting Michigan Tech a step above the rest. Blending classroom
study with learning in the field to increase competence in the woods, integrated Field
Practicum (IFP) covers the elements of forested landscapes and methods of quantification.
Through the process of measuring and describing the forests, from trees and herbaceous
plants to water, wildlife, fungi, and insects, students complete a multi-resource
assessment. Building on data from previous years, and data collected directly from
the field themselves, they gain unique insight on values and ecological processes
of natural resource management through this one of a kind immersive experience.
Who Attends Camp?
Students with majors in:
Forestry
Applied Ecology and Environmental Science
Natural Resource Management
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
and Master of Forestry (MF) students
What Will I Learn?
Take waypoints and design maps. Get your hands dirty and your feet wet exploring soil,
geology, and climate. Collect fungi or insects for a specimen collection. Hug trees
as you measure stand basal area. Learn to determine canopy health. Collect photos
from camera traps. These mental and physical challenges help position students for
in demand careers in our four land management degree programs.
When Will I Attend Camp?
All students who attend camp must pass prerequisites (see course plans). For undergraduates,
this is typically by the third year. For Master of Forestry (MF) students this is
typically by their third-semester. Students are able to choose between summer and
fall camp. You will be in integrated field practicum for 14 weeks of the semester.
What is the Schedule Like?
Students at camp are in class Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm (with a break
around 12-1pm for lunch). Lecture times average about one hour per day, with the rest
of the time spent in the field. That's right, rain or shine!
Camp Life
During off hours students can enjoy quiet time in one of the lounges reading, watching
movies or playing games. If you’re feeling a bit more boisterous you can hit the recreation
building for some pool, ping pong, darts, or foosball. Or take it outside with cornhole,
hoops, or a hike to Canyon Falls. Still have some steam to blow off? Work up a sweat
in the fitness building or just get sweaty in the sauna! Other outdoor activities
can include exploring miles of forests, trails, and backroads on foot or bicycle.
Or just crossing the street to canoe or fish on Lake Plumbago. End your days enjoying
a campfire under the stars.
Classes
All Students
FW 3170 - Land Measurements and GPS
Introduces field measurements and computations involved in determining direction, distance, and area. Covers the hand compass, pacing, and use of GPS, including differential correction. Integration of GPS data with GIS is emphasized. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
- Co-Requisite(s): FW 3190
- Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3540
FW 3190 - Multi-resource Assessment
Develops a basic proficiency in the application of multiple-resource measurement techniques. Gain familiarity with the application of individual tree and landscape measurements as well as estimation of growth, sampling techniques, computational procedures, and mapping procedures commonly used in forest and land management. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-4)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
- Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051 and FW 3020 and FW 3200 and (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710)
FW 3600 - Wildlife Habitat
Understand the ecological basis for management of forest wildlife and how forest management influences wildlife populations. Laboratory introduces techniques in wildlife research and management, especially methods of habitat analysis. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Drawing on examples from the Great Lakes region, and other parts of North America, this course will consider which type of insects and pathogens attack our trees and forests, how they interact with each other, and what tools we can use to effectively reduce their negative impacts of forest pests. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-1-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
- Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3020
Forestry (BS & MF) Majors
FW 3010 - Practice of Silviculture
Methods of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Forestry, Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, App Ecol & Environ Sci
- Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2010 and FW 2051
FW 3150 - Timber Harvesting
Methods and techniques used in lake states timber harvesting systems. Introduces best management practices, aesthetic and ecological impacts, logging cost analysis, timber appraisal, and timber sale preparation and administration. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Forestry
- Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051
Applied Ecology & Environmental Science, Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, and Natural
Resource Management Majors
FW 3012 - Survey of Silviculture
An introduction to the practice of silviculture including ecological principles which form the basis for forest management. The course emphasizes proper use of silviculture terminology and includes field examples of management practices. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
- Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2010 and FW 2051
FW 3180 - Geomorphology, Landscapes and Ecosystems
Provides basic understanding of the geologic and glacial processes that shaped the landscape of the Upper Midwest influencing the distribution and productivity of modern-day plant communities. Topics include geology of Michigan, glacial geomorphology, soil development, landscape and community ecology, and forestry. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Natural Resources Management;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Insects are widespread and diverse components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This course will consider aspects of insect ecology, including biodiversity and conservation of insects, the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on insect populations, and the trophic diversity of insects. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Natural Resources Management
