The Changing Forest: Forest Ecology

This module includes a special section on Fire Ecology. Here's what's inside:

• Introduction

• Background Information

• Student Activities:
  
  1. Adopt-A-Forest
     Forests support a diversity of plants and animals that vary according to the geographic location of the forest. In this activity, students will identify a section of a local forest or wooded area to study and investigate the types of plants and animals that live there. Through this investigation, students will identify the biological and structural diversity within a forest ecosystem.

  2. Cast of Thousands
     Student will further explore the variety of life in their adopted forest and will discover the importance of this biological diversity. They will take measurements, in much the same way as a forester does, to draw conclusions abut the overall health of their forest. As an extension, students will compare the information that they have collected with that of another class in a different region.

  3. The Nature of Plants
     Through a series of experiments, students will learn the importance of photosynthesis and the elements needed for photosynthesis to take place. They will also discover the factors necessary for healthy plant growth and the detrimental effects of a variety of environmental stresses.

  4. Home Sweet Home
     Species that are introduced into nonnative environments can be beneficial or detrimental to the ecosystem. In this activity, students will identify nonnative species that have already been introduced into the North American environment and will determine their effect. Students will also gather information about a selected plant or animal species within their adopted forest and determine its natural range.

     TIP: In addition to the species provided in the module, consider adding the European woodwasp to the list. For information about this potential invasive species, see the March 2003 issue of the Journal of Forestry, pp. 18-23. (Visit www.safnet.org/pubs/periodicals.html for ordering information or check your local library).

  5. Saga of the Gypsy Moth
     In this activity, students will become more aware of the effects of the gypsy moth. They will formulate management plans that deal with large-scale disturbances like the gypsy moth. Students will have the responsibility of advocating their specific management perspective.

  6. Story of Succession
     By using their adopted forest as a guide, students will be able to identify the various stages of forest succession. Students will observe successional growth as it happens in three experimental test plots. In this activity, they will learn the ways succession is affected by wind, fire, and human intervention.

  7. Understanding Fire
     In this activity, student will explore the patterns of change brought about by fires in a forest ecosystem. They will also examine the environmental, social, and political factors that influence forest-use decisions. Students will develop a broad perspective on the nature of forest fires and how public and private sectors of society are affected by them.

  8. Fire Management resources
     Students will learn about the many interdependencies of forests and fires in healthy ecosystems. They will research plant and animal species that depend on fire, and will determine some of their relationships. They will also look at problems that occur when humans live in or near forested areas.

• Appendices:
  
  1. Bibliography
  2. Glossary
  3. Field trip safety and tips
  4. Bringing nature indoors
  5. Sample nature guide
  6. Additional Reading
  7. PLT Conceptual Framework

• Current related news

• Find a Changing Forest: Forest Ecology workshop near you.

• Two Sides of Fire.

  This video is a good companion to the fire activities in Project Learning Tree's secondary module, The Changing Forest: Forest Ecology. The video explores the role of fire in a forest ecosystem. Videos are available for $15 for 1-4 orders. For ordering information contact the Temperate Forest Foundation at 503-579-6762.