in-depth study of the Siskiyou Crest:
alpine slopes, meadows, streams and seeps
serpentine ridges, talus slopes, and granitic summits
feldfields, late snowmelt areas and high elevation rock outcrops.

In this course you will gain experience with the use of technical keys for the identification of plants, develop skills needed to recognize families and genera of vascular plants found on the Siskiyou Crest, and learn how to prepare yourself with the equipment and technique needed for professional botanical fieldwork.

Your grade in the course will be based on a series of field and laboratory quizzes and a collection of specimens.  To earn an 'A' in the course plan on full participation in labs and fieldtrips, and excellence in all submitted work.
 
 

Class will meet from 11:00 until 1:20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room SC 214,
and on Saturdays from 7:00 AM until about 4:00 PM for field excursions,
23 June through 19 July 2003 (class WILL meet on Saturday 5 July).

Required Text:

 
The Jepson Manual 1993,  J. C. Hickman, Editor.  University of California Press.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  ALWAYS BRING

The Jepson Manual TO CLASS AND ON FIELD TRIPS!

 
 

In addition to the text mentioned above, you may be asked to consult a variety of web-based sources of information about plant systematics.  The list of linked web sites will be a major source of reference material and supplemental reading.  Plan to use the web to supplement the manual for this course.  Suggestions for reading and information retrieval from the web will be given in class.

Plant Systematics Web Resources

 

You will also need:

                                    1) a good 10x hand lens (a simple magnifier is inadequate)

                                    2) two sets of fine-point forceps (tweezers won't work)

                                    3) a sense of humor and a lot of patience

 

 

Adequate preparation for the Saturday field trips is critical to your enjoyment and success in this course. These are the basics:

 

1. Sturdy  HIKING BOOTS  (no sneakers, running shoes, or sandals)

2. Clothing adequate for protection from wind, rough brush and rocks.

3. Sun protection: SPF 45 sunscreen and a hat with brim strongly advised.

4. Temperature control: prepare to adjust clothing for conditions from freezing to extremely hot.

5. Bring lots of water!  3-4 liters minimum.

6. Bring food for lunch.

A list of other suggested materials will be presented in class.

A Few Words About the Joys and Tribulations of Botanical Fieldwork