WR 420 – Watershed Field Practicum

WR420 02(0-6-0)    Watershed Field Practicum.  F.  Corequisites: WR416 and WR417 or written consent of instructor.  Field visits to watershed managements projects and sites of significant field studies.

What to Bring

- camping equipment (bedroll, tent, cooking stoves, etc.)1

- rain gear

- food2

- money for food, miscellaneous

- sunscreen, DEET

- water bottle

- fieldbook or notebook, such as "surveyor's field book".  Waterproof is key here.

- camera and film (or digital)

1we need to minimize luggage, so try to partner for tents, food, coolers, etc.

2breakfast, lunch, dinner, & snacks.  You can buy as we go, as we will be driving through several towns, and some campsites are near towns at which we can restock.  However, some days we will not be able to stop or there will be nowhere to stop.

The Challenge

The purpose of the Watershed Field Practicum is to survey the spectrum of applied watershed management and watershed science in the real world.  Undergraduates and graduates alike benefit from the observations and discussions at each site.  Participants learn what the profession offers, solutions to real-world problems, and what remains unknown about field problems.

Your assignment is to personally ask ten questions per day and record in your notebook your observations and reflections.  Please appreciate that the professionals at each site have devoted their time to host the Practicum on their work-days and personal weekends.

The Requirements

You will be put into groups and each group will be responsible for summarizing the proceedings and observations from one day.  This will be in the form of a 12-minute presentation to be given at a time assigned by your professor(s).  You will also submit a ten-page, double-spaced report (appendices, photos, etc. can be in addition to the ten-page limit).  Two specialty groups will be chosen for different assignments.