[ECOLOG-L] RESULT: classroom Skype with foreign ecologist
Ecolog, For those of you who followed the thread, I had asked ECOLOG a few weeks ago if any ecologist working outside the U.S. would be willing to talk with a class of mine via Skype so that my students could see an exotic habitat and learn lessons in ecology that are not reachable here in Idaho. The person who volunteered to do this is based in Central America (if I give you his name maybe he gets a flood of other interested emails?) and was teaching a class in tropical ecology to a group of U.S. students based at a field station. The first lesson was to take a laptop behind the field station to show leaf cutter ants and explain the ant-fungus symbiosis. After this, pairs of students gave presentations on plant-animal interactions (figs and wasps, leaf miners, butterflies and chemical defenses in plants). What we had was a class of college students abroad presenting a live lecture to a group of college students in the U.S. For the second part of class my students interviewed a conservationist in Honduras about the difficulties of protecting natural resources in a developing country. All in all it was by far the best class I ever taught. I mention this because I think that with the advances in technology and improvements in infrastructure in foreign countries, we have a huge potential as an ecological society to foster more cross-cultural and cross-environmental education, and we can do this all around the world while remaining in class. Many thanks to the interested persons who offered to help with this class, but for various reasons (some my errors) were not able to participate in the end. David Anderson -- *David L. Anderson**, Ph.D.* *Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences* Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 208-426-3216 davidlander...@boisestate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Skype/virtual field trip for class - still need help
Hello Ecolog, I am still in need of a little support to create a virtual Web field trip for an ecology class on Tuesday, 7 November. I am trying to find a foreign based ecologist willing to chat via Skype or camera with an undergraduate ecology class. I was hoping that the students could hear or see some new sights and sounds that could then be transformed into a basic discussion on foreign habitats, environments, and ecological relationships. Our lab will occur at 7 p.m. -7 hrs GMT (Mountain Time, USA). Finding a person who could provide a visual/audio presentation of something interesting at that time has proven difficult. A field biologist who could share night sounds and discuss those creatures, or a panoramic vista of a natural setting, or a careful observation of one or two species (vertebrates, invertebrates, pollinators, anything!) interacting at day or night might thrill these students. Got a moment to consider this? Thanks, David -- *David L. Anderson**, Ph.D.* *Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences* Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 208-426-3216 davidlander...@boisestate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Need a classroom Skype conference with foreign ecologist
Is there a foreign-based ecologist who would like to participate in a live conversation via the web with an undergraduate biology class? I am teaching an undergraduate biology class this semester, and am taking multiple sections on a field trip to observe community ecology. I have one night class that won't be able to go on the field trip. I thought it would be fascinating to take them on a virtual field trip to a foreign location where an ecologist could hopefully demo a field study, a habitat my students are unfamiliar with (tropical forest??!!) or give some other cool demonstration related to community ecology. New sights, sounds, and biological interactions would be awesome. The date is 8 November, 7:30 pm Mountain Time (USA), or -7 hours GMT. More specifics are available if I can find an interested party. Please email me if you'd like to help, or know of someone who would like this idea. Thank you, David Anderson -- *David L. Anderson**, Ph.D.* *Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences* Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 208-426-3216 davidlander...@boisestate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] growing oaks from acorns - Qs answered
Good People, Would you believe that my simple query on growing oaks from acorns returned 30 email and phone responses in 48 hours? Thanks to all who provided advice and contacts. Seems like oaks are pretty popular. David -- *David L. Anderson**, Ph.D.* *Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences* Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 208-426-3216 davidlander...@boisestate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] growing oaks from acorns
Hello, I'd like to talk with someone who is expert at growing oaks from acorns. If you are that person or know of someone, my contact information is below, as are my interests and questions. Thanks, David I am interested in growing oaks from acorns collected from the heritage trees of Boise, Idaho. I refer to heritage trees as those trees of outstanding character and community value, usually of great age or beauty or serving as a landmark for sites of interest. My questions regard how best to propagate oaks from acorns. How do I know if an acorn is good or bad? Because it is green/brown, or floats/sinks when immersed in water? Is it better to overwinter acorns in a fridge/freezer in paper/plastic bags? Is it better to transplant them directly into potting/native/mixed soil? Better to plant in the fall or spring? In soil that is wet/dry/left to natural conditions? Should acorns be sprouted first in wet sawdust? Or other advice you think would be helpful. Thanks in advance from the future heritage oaks of Boise. -- *David L. Anderson**, Ph.D.* *Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences* Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725 208-426-3216 davidlander...@boisestate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] tree vole surveyor needed for August - Oregon Cascades
Position title: Tree Climber/Vole Surveyor Description: ABR Inc., Environmental Research and Services is seeking an experienced tree climber needed to access tree crowns in the Detroit Lake region of the Oregon Cascades in tall conifers with suspected nests of red tree voles. Knowledge/Skills: Climber must have multiple years experience in rope access and be capable of setting lines in and climbing into crowns of trees ranging from 20 inches to 8 feet in diameter, and heights of 30 to 180 feet. Climber must be highly capable with both single and doubled rope techniques and be willing to follow the highest safety standards, including use of PPE and tying and climbing on a safety anchor that permits ground support to lower a climber in case of emergency. All climbing equipment will be provided. The climber will work as part of a team of two 2-person crews. Experience with red tree vole nest surveys a plus, but not required. Start Date: Typical work week is Monday – Friday, approximately 50 hours per week. The climber is needed for 3-4 weeks starting in late July/early August, with potential for additional work through October. Lodging, food, and field transportation are provided Salary: Depending on experience Contact: To apply or for more information contact: Jon Plissner – 503-359-7525 David Anderson – 503-545-2903
