ENV701. Forest Measurements

“The Romans taught their children nothing that was to be learned sitting.” – Seneca

Tree Identification in the Duke Forest with Forest Measurement students (Fall 2013)

 Course Description

This course aims to familiarize students with the field and analytic measurement skills expected of professionals in forest ecosystem management. We begin by learning to identify over 125 woody plants of the Piedmont. To do this, we will also grapple with dichotomous keys and plant systematics to help us identify plants anywhere in the world. Next, we consider techniques for measuring forest characteristics at three different scales: individual plant, forest stand, and landscape. These techniques require the use of traditional forestry instruments (e.g., clinometers, Biltmore sticks) and contemporary handheld GPS units. Field activities and quantitative skills are heavily emphasized throughout the course.