Course Syllabus

This Preview page outlines the contents of the course. While the course is self-paced, we provide due dates to serve as a guide to help you to stay current. You should expect to take:

• Two weeks to complete the readings, the quizzes, and the Activities in Module 1
• Three weeks to complete the readings, the quizzes, and the Activities in Module 2
• Two weeks to complete the readings, the quizzes, and the Activities in Module 3
• One week to complete Module 4, which has no Activities
• Two weeks to complete the readings, the quizzes, and the Activities in Module 5

All course materials will be available for the entire duration of the course. We recommend that you to try to meet the module due dates. Remember, as this is a non-credit course, there are no actual grades for the quizzes and the Activities.

Module 1: The Woods in Your Backyard

• Foreword by Doug Tallamy
• Course Introduction
• 1.1 Module 1 Overview video
• 1.2 The Turtle and the Tree
• 1.3 Identify Your Interests in the Land  
• 1.3.1 Case Study: Meet the Nelsons
• 1.4 Reality Check: Is Your Family With You?
• Video Tutorial: How to Complete the Course Activities
• *Activity 1: Family Goals Assessment
• 1.5 Map It Out
• Activity 2: Map It Out
• 1.6 The Concept of Habitat Units
• Activity 3: Designate Habitat Units
• 1.7 What Do You Have and What Do You Want?: Creating Your Stewardship Journal
• Module 1 Review Quiz
  
  

Module 2: Ecological Principles

• 2.1 Introduction & Overview video
• 2.2 Soil Resources and Your Natural Area
• 2.3 The Dynamic Natural Area: Principles of Succession
• Activity 4: Identify Successional Stages
• Additional information for Section 2.3
• 2.4 Principles of Forestry
• Activity 5: Assess Competition Among Trees
• Activity 6: Assess Tree Reproduction
• Activity 7: Survey for Broken and Dead Trees
• Activity 8: Assess Invasive and Exotic Plants
• Additional information for Section 2.4
• 2.5 Water Resources and Your Natural Area
• Activity 9: Water Resources Around You
• Additional information for Section 2.5
• 2.6 Wildlife Ecology
• Activity 10: Habitat Elements on Your Land
• Additional information for Section 2.6
• Module 2 Review Quiz

Module 3: Inventory Your Property (Guide pp. 49-66)

• 3.1 Introduction & Overview video
• 3.2 Your Place in the Landscape
• Additional information for Section 3.2
• 3.3 Beyond Your Boundaries
• 3.4 Constraints to Land Management
• Activity 11: Investigate the Legal Constraints on Your Land
• 3.5 Identifying Your Trees and Shrubs
• Activity 12: Get to Know Your Trees
• 3.6 Assess Recreation and Aesthetic Potential
• Activity 13: Assess Your Natural Area's Suitability for Recreation
• Activity 14: How To Improve Your Natural Area’s Aesthetic Appeal
• Additional information for Section 3.6
• Module 3 Review Quiz

Module 4: Land Care Practices 

• 4.1 Introduction & Overview video
• 4.2 Sample Projects for Each Resource Benefit
• 4.3 Land Care Practices - An Overview
• 4.3 Part 1: Converting Lawn to Woodland
• Additional information for Section 4.3, Part 1
• 4.3 Part 2: Modifying or Improving Habitat
• 4.3 Part 3: Improving Aesthetics or Recreation Opportunities
• Module 4 Review Quiz

Module 5: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

• 5.1 Introduction & Overview video
• 5.2 Choosing Projects for Your Natural Area
• Activity 15: Identify and Rank Your Objectives
• 5.3 Make a Timetable and Spell Out the Details
• Activity 16: Project Schedule and Details
• 5.4 Record Your Progress
• (Optional) Activity 17: Record Your Progress
• 5.5 The Nelsons Look Back
• (Optional) Activity 18: Share an Entry from your Stewardship Journal
• Stewardship Journal contributions
• 5.6 The Turtle and the Tree Revisited
• Module 5 Review Quiz
• 5.7 Closing Thoughts