curriculum & certificationsnr.unl.edu/naturalist/documents/mnoutlines.pdf · curriculum &...
TRANSCRIPT
Curriculum & Certification
The format for our training and certification process has undergone review and change, to broaden our
program appeal and convenience, and to increase participation.
After reviewing applications for the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program, the Training Assistant
schedules and conducts an interview with each applicant. This step ensures that the program is right for
the applicant, by explaining the program structure and expectations.
Each applicant must also agree to a formal background security check and review of their driving
record, for the purpose of public safety, since Master Naturalists will be volunteering with children and
adults, through our partner agencies and organizations. Once the candidate agrees, a Core Training
Class date is assigned, depending on availability and space.
NOTE: The Training Dates and Locations for 2015 will be announced on November 7, 2014. Please
check back, in order to apply for your preferred date(s).
The initial Core Training Class consists of 24 total hours of class instruction at one training site, led by
professionals in each field, including hands-on activities. The fee for this bloc of instruction is $150 and
covers these basic topics:
1. Intro to Flora and Fauna of Nebraska
2. Intro to the non-living Environment of Nebraska
3. Intro to Outdoor Skills
4. Intro to Environmental Education
5. Intro to Interpretation
6. Safety in the Field
Following the introductory classes, the “Naturalist-in-Training” must then complete an additional 36
hours of further, in-depth instruction in any of these four Key Areas of Expertise within the next six
months to a year, in order to certify:
1. Citizen Science
2. Resource Management
3. Outdoor Skills
4. Environmental Education and Interpretation
No single training course will count for more than four hours of credit. Trainees can also cross-train in a
combination of these subject areas to certify as a Nebraska Master Naturalist. The certifying pathway
toward certain Key Areas could potentially require an extended process, depending on the availability of
desired courses within a given year.
Workshops and training sessions in these areas will be held at various locations around the state, and
will require a separate registration and fee for each, which may vary in cost. Scholarships may also be
offered.
“Naturalists-in-Training” are also obligated to fulfill at least 20 hours of volunteer service during the
first year and each year thereafter, along with 8 hours of continuing education, to re-certify in the
program.
Mammals of Nebraska
I. 10:30 – 10:45 What is a mammal?
II. 10:45 – 11:30 Ecology, Form, Function, and Behavior
a. Skeletons and Skulls
i. Diet
ii. Teeth
b. Body Forms
i. Climate and Shape
ii. Tracks
iii. Microhabitats
iv. Defecation
c. Special Adaptations
i. Bats and Shrews
ii. Rodents (also talk about hibernation)
iii. Ground Squirrels
iv. Mustelids
III. 11:30 – 12:00, 1:00 – 1:30 Nebraska Mammals
a. Bats and Marsupials (also talk about distemper)
b. Insectivores (shrews), Rodents and Lagomorphs (also talk about hantavirus, lime
disease)
c. Mesocarnivores (Felines, Canines, Raccoons) (also talk about rabies)
d. Ungulates
IV. 1:30 – 2:00 Wildlife/Human Interaction
Mammals of Nebraska
a. Conservation (otters, bison, black‐footed ferret)
b. Habitat Destruction
c. Extirpation
d. Re‐introductions
e. Wildlife Damage Control
V. Nebraska Mammals
a. Bats and Marsupials
b. Insectivores (shrews), Rodents and Lagomorphs
c. Mesocarnivores (Felines, Canines, Raccoons)
d. Ungulates
VI. Wildlife/Human Interaction
a. Conservation (otters, bison, black‐footed ferret)
b. Habitat Destruction
c. Extirpation
d. Re‐introductions
e. Wildlife Damage
Birds and Mammals of Nebraska
I. Bird Pieces and Parts
II. Hike/Bird Banding:
a. Half the group birds outside
i. learn how to use binoculars
ii. where to find which bird
iii. how to use field guides
iv. how to look at a bird
b. Half the group learns and observes bird banding
a. MAPS program
b. Mist netting
c. Aging/sexing
d. Bird adaptations
e. Attracting Winter Birds
f. Birds and People
g. Ornithology
a. Bird Pieces and Parts
b. Bird Banding
h. How to use a field guide
a. Photo quiz
i. How to use binoculars
j. Birding
a. Bird song and birding by ear
b. Bird hike
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Outdoor Skills
I. Firearm Instruction
a. HE (Hunter Education) Tools – Firearm Basics
i. Review firearm basic parts
ii. Ammunition basic parts
1. Shot shells
a. Components & uses
2. Rifle/pistol cartridges
a. Components & uses
b. *Basic Rules of Firearm Safety
i. Treat every gun as if loaded
ii. Muzzle control – never point at something you do not want to
destroy
iii. Keep finger off trigger until ready to shoot
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
*Three things needed for an accident to happen
1. Firearm
2. Person
3. Ammunition
Never bring these together in an area not meant for shooting!
c. Hands‐On Demonstrations: Rotations (divide into 4 tables)
i. Rifles ‐ Loading & Unloading
ii. Shotguns – Loading & Unloading
iii. Ammunition – Cartridges, & Shot Shells
iv. Miscellaneous Action Types
II. Split into four groups (shotguns, archery, kayaking, angling)
III. Split into four groups (shotguns, archery, kayaking, angling)
IV. Lunch (15 minute lecture: Ways to participate in hunting, archery, kayaking,
and angling in Nebraska)
V. Split into four groups (shotguns, archery, kayaking, angling)
VI. Split into four groups (shotguns, archery, kayaking, angling)
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
VII. Conclusion
a. Funding
b. Management of Populations
I. Shotgun Range Safety Orientation
a. Range Commands
i. Range is open
ii. Firearms ready
iii. Load
iv. Fire
v. Cease Fire
vi. Range is closed
b. Range Set‐Up
i. Safety of set up
ii. Safety in operation
c. Eyes & Ears
i. Installation and use
ii. Why needed
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
II. Shotgun Form & Fitting
a. Stance
b. Mounting the gun
c. Dominant Eye
I. Archery Range Safety Orientation
a. Range Commands
i. National Archery in the Schools
ii. Basic safety issues
b. Range Set‐Up
i. Safety
ii. Shooter comfort
II. Bow Basics: Parts & Pieces
III. Archery Form & Fitting
a. Stance
b. Steps to proper shooting
i. 3 finger grip of string
ii. Gripping the bow
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
iii. Aiming
iv. Release of string
v. Follow through
c. Dominant Eye
I. Fishing Formula for Success
a. Developed by In‐Fisherman Magazine
b. Fundamental approach that can be applied to any fishing situation
c. Mental approach to fishing
II. Fish
a. Biology
b. Behavior
III. Location
a. Habitat requirements
b. Movement
c. Migration
IV. Presentation
a. Rods and reels
b. Knots
c. Casting
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Wetlands of Nebraska
I. Nebraska’s Wetlands
a. Overview of Nebraska’s wetlands and what makes them unique.
b. Functions and Values: Why Are Wetlands Important?
i. What we used to think of wetlands & why this has changed
ii. Functions versus values
iii. Improving Water Quality
iv. Providing Habitat for Wildlife, Fish, and Unusual Plants
v. Reducing Flooding and Soil Erosion
vi. Supplying Water
vii. Producing Food and Fiber
viii. Providing Recreational and Educational Opportunities
c. Wetland Dynamics
d. Wetland Restoration and Management
e. Wetland Classification
f. Wetland Inventories and Maps
g. Statewide Wetland Resources
h. Wetland Conservation Efforts
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
i. Wetland Restoration, Enhancement, and Management Assistance
ii. Acquisition
iii. Water Quality Programs
iv. Protection
v. Outreach, Education, and Planning
i. Wetland Conservation Approaches
i. Protection
ii. Restoration
vi. Management
vii. Inventory
viii. Research
ix. Education
II. Nebraska’s Regional Wetland Complexes
a. Introduction
b. PLAYA WETLANDS
i. Rainwater Basin
ii. Central Table Playas
iii. Southwest Playas
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
iv. Todd Valley
c. SANDHILL WETLANDS
i. Sandhills
ii. Loup/Platte River Sandhills
d. SALINE/ALKALINE WETLANDS
i. Eastern Saline
ii. Western Alkaline
e. RIVERINE WETLANDS
i. Central Platte River
ii. Lower North Platte River
iii. Lower Platte River
iv. Missouri River
v. Elkhorn River
vi. Niobrara River
III. Wetland Exploration Activities
a. Dipping for Aquatic Invertebrates
b. Wetland Soils—digging up the soil
IV. Wetland DVD—Wetlands of Nebraska
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Woodlands of Nebraska
I. What is a forest or woodland?
II. ACTIVITY: Observations
Participants hike through forest and write down observations
III. America’s Forests
a. Original forests
b. Present day forests
c. History of forest preservation
i. National Parks vs. National Forests
ii. Nebraska State Forest Service
iii. Mt. Rushmore figures
d. Show the 3‐D model/map of the United States, depict landscape
IV. Functions of Forests
a. Lumber and paper
b. Non tree resources production (understory)
c. Clean water
d. Reduces soil erosion
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
e. Aesthetics
f. Wildlife
g. Recreation
h. Carbon sequestration
V. Nebraska’s Woodland Resources
a. Location
b. Why are they located where they are?
VI. Soils
a. Soil particle sizes
b. Porosity
c. Soil water
d. Soil organisms
e. Position on the slope and landscape
f. ACTIVITY: Cush balls, show cohesion and adhesion
g. ACTIVITY: Participants will hike out into the forest and dig in the soil.
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
VII. Tree Anatomy
a. Energy Flow
b. ACTIVITY:
i. Tree ID
ii. Tree cookies
iii. Core trees
iv. Measure tree height
v. Explain why measurements are important
VIII. Forest Ecology
a. Succession
b. Stand stages
c. Species
d. Disturbances ‐ man made, natural
e. Slope
f. Aspect
g. Fire tolerance
h. Shade tolerance
i. Impacts of trees on site conditions
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
j. Allelopathy
k. Deer exclosures
l. Oak restoration
IX. ACTIVITY: Observations
a. Participants make observations based on what they have learned.
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Aquatics Ecosystems and Fish of Nebraska
I. Aquatic Ecosystem
A. Energy source
B. Importance of clean water
C. Primary Producers
a. Aquatic plants
b. Algae
D. Consumers
a. Zooplankton
1. Rotifers
2. Copepods
3. Cladocerans
b. Aquatic Insects
c. Other macroinvertebrates
d. Fish
II. Nebraska’s Aquatic Habitats
A. Aquatics in Nebraska???????
B. Nebraska’s diversity
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
C. Nebraska’s Aquatic Habitats
1. Rivers, streams and canals
1. Warm water
2. Cold water
3. Small
4. Large
2. Natural Lakes
1. Oxbows
2. Sandhill lakes
3. Impoundments
1. Irrigation and power‐generation reservoirs
2. Flood control reservoirs
3. Ponds
4. Pits
4. Wetlands
1. River associated
2. Sandhills
3. Rain‐water basin
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
D. Threats to Aquatic Habitat
1. Water quantity
1. “Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting”—Mark Twain
2. Habitat forming flows
2. Water quality
1. Point versus non‐point source
1. “A lake is a reflection of its watershed”
2. Contaminants
3. Aquatic Nuisance Species
1. Zebra mussels
2. Asian carp
3. Others
III. Nebraska’s Fish
A. Fish anatomy
a. Gills
b. Fins
c. Scales
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
B. Fish senses
a. Sight
b. Smell
c. Taste
d. Lateral line
C. Fish shape
a. Panfish
b. Pike‐shape
D. Mouth and mouth position
E. Temperature requirements
a. Cold‐water
b. Warm‐water
c. Cool‐water
F. Nebraska’s fish diversity
a. 100+ species
b. Maybe 40 will be caught by anglers
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Ecology and Conservation Biology
I. Ecological Principles
a. Ecology
b. Principles and Concepts
i. Biomes
ii. Ecosystems
iii. Biogeochemical cycles
iv. Biotic and Abiotic factors
v. Energy transfer/flow
vi. Food chains/webs/niches
vii. Trophic structure
viii. Ecological pyramids
ix. Biotic Community concept
x. Ecological Succession
xi. Resilience and Scale
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
c. Eco‐regions of Nebraska
i. Eco‐Regions
ii. Systems found within each eco‐region
1. Grasslands
2. Wetlands
3. Woodlands
4. Lakes
5. Ponds
6. Rivers
7. Reservoirs
d. Species Level
i. Habitat and ecological niche
ii. Natural Selection and speciation
e. Population dynamics
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
f. Species interactions
i. Predator Prey Relationships
ii. Competition
iii. Parasitism
iv. Mutualism
v. Commensalisms
vi. Symbiotic
vii. Cooperation
viii. Antibiosis
II. Conservation Biology
a. Biodiversity concepts
i. Genetic Level
ii. Minimum dynamic area
Activity: coin toss exercise
iii. Species and population level
iv. Communities and ecosystem level
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Insects of Nebraska
I. Functions and Values: Why study insects?
i. Entomology, as a scientific field of study, exists because of
human – insect conflict
ii. Agricultural damage
iii. Disease
iv. Damage to homes and businesses
v. Annoyance (i.e. bug bites)
b. However, insects can benefit humans too.
i. Environmental value (i.e. pollinators, food source, indicator
species)
ii. Economic value (i.e. produce resources like silk, honey, dyes;
positive effects on agriculture)
iii. Teaching tool (i.e. demonstrate scientific method and build
critical thinking skills via inquiry based activities)
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
II. What is an arthropod?: Arthropod and Insect Classification
a. What is an arthopod?
i. Definition of invertebrate
ii. Introduction to phyla and examples of each
b. Characteristics of Arthropoda
c. Characteristics of insects
i. Insects
1. Body Structure
2. Life Cycles
III. Nebraska’s Insects and Arthropods: Identification and recognition
a. descriptions, signs, sounds
b. habitats
c. life history
d. diets
e. predators
f. relationship to ecosystem
g. status, management and conservation
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
IV. Pests/Invasive Species
V. Locating insects and arthropods (where are they found in Nebraska?)
VI. Research
a. Observation and monitoring equipment
b. Current research and human interaction
VII. Recreational opportunities in the outdoors
a. What opportunities exist surrounding this topic for Nebraska?
b. Locations?
VIII. ACTIVITY: Insect Sampling
a. Creating collections
b. Selected sampling methods
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
GEOLOGY OF NEBRASKA
I. Introduction to Geology
II. Nebraska as a Sample of Planet Earth
a. Geologic Setting
i. The geologic time scale
ii. Structure
iii. Tectonics
iv. Sea‐level change
b. Rock types (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) and the rock cycle
III. Evidence for Changes Over Geologic Time in Nebraska.
a. Presence and absence of a local geologic record
b. Ancient oceans and their denizens: the Pennsylvanian and
Cretaceous Periods
ACTIVITY: Measuring and interpret a section of sedimentary rocks
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
c. Three‐Hundred Million Years of Ancient Rivers
i. Ancient rivers of the Pennsylvanian Period
ii. Ancient rivers of the Cretaceous Period (Dakota Formation)
iii. Platte River and its predecessors
iv. Other rivers
ACTIVITY: Pebble identification from sand and gravel deposits
d. Fossil Mammals
e. The Effects of Distant Mountains
i. Development of Rocky Mountains
ii. Effects on Nebraska climate
f. The Ice Ages and Their Impacts on Nebraska
i. Till and loess deposits
ii. The Sand Hills
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
IV. Relevance of Nebraska’s Geology
a. Nebraska’s geologic resources
i. Groundwater (Ogallala Aquifer)
ii. Soils
iii. Industrial minerals
ACTIVITY: Testing limestone with white vinegar
iv. Gemstones
b. Geology and culture—past and present
c. Geology and biomes/habitats
V. Observation and monitoring equipment
VI. Places to Go (places to see examples of Nebraska geology)
a. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
b. Ashfall State Park
c. Chimney Rock National Historic Site
d. Hummel Park (Omaha)
e. Lincoln area sites (Capitol Beach, water supply and saline waters,
Antelope Creek, etc.)
f. Louisville
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
g. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
h. Niobrara State Park
i. Omaha area sites (changing course of Missouri River, engineering of
loess bluffs, etc.)
j. Platte River State Park
k. Ponca State Park
l. Rock Creek State Historical Park
m. Scenic drives (various)
n. Schramm Park
o. Scotia and Happy Jack Chalk Mine
p. Scotts Bluff National Monument
q. Smith Falls State Park
r. Toadstool Park
s. Weeping Water
t. Wildcat Hills
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Grasslands and Prairies of Nebraska
I. The pre‐settlement Nebraska landscape
a. percentage of prairie, woodland, wetland
b. dominant disturbances
c. settlement period and impacts
II. Tallgrass Prairie
a. Range
b. Dominant and rare plant species
c. Natural disturbances and frequency
d. Percent remaining
e. Primary Stressors
III. Central Mixedgrass Prairie
IV. Sand Prairies
V. Western Mixedgrass Prairie
VI. Wet Meadows
VII. Questions and Discussion
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
VIII. Prairie Management
a. Disturbances (climate, fire, grazing)
b. Diversity and Heterogeneity
c. Principles of Management
i. manage competition between plants
ii. avoid repetition
iii. Importance of defoliation in managing competition
d. Examples of management strategies and regimes
e. Invasive species: what is an invasive species and general approaches
to their control
f. Questions and Discussion
IX. Introduction to Plant Identification
a. The plant kingdom
b. Nebraska’s floral diversity
c. Flower parts and structure
d. Flower types
e. Leaf types and shapes
f. Monocots and dicots
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
g. Learning plant family patterns
i. mustards
ii. gooseberries
iii. asters
iv. lilies
v. grasses
vi. sedges
vii. rushes
h. Keys and references
i. Questions and Discussion
X. Prairie Walk
Chris and Gerry will lead a hike through the prairie where we will identify
plants and further discuss prairie management.
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Reptiles and Amphibians of Nebraska
I. What is Herpetology?
II. What are Herps?
a. Amphibians
i. Morphological Evolution
ii. Characteristics
1. Integument
2. Movement
3. Sense organs
4. Foraging, Feeding & Digestion
5. Water balance; freeze tolerance
iii. Reproductive behavior and strategies
iv. Nebraska’s Amphibians
1. Classification
2. Diversity
v. Development and larval biology
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
b. Reptiles
i. Morphological Evolution
ii. Characteristics
1. Integument
2. Movement
3. Sense organs
4. Digestion, venom, feeding behavior
5. Thermoregulation; energies
6. Development (viviparity, TSD)
iii. Reproductive behavior and strategies
iv. Nebraska’s Reptiles
1. Classification
2. Diversity
c. Herp Defenses and Escape Behavior
d. Population and Community Ecology
III. Function and Values: Why are herps important?
a. Amphibians as Indicator Species
b. Amphibian Decline
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
IV. Conservation Efforts
a. Herpetofauna Conservation Biology
b. Herpetofauna as Invasive Species and their Management
V. What you can do to help
VI. ACTIVITY: Lab and Field Study
a. External diagnostic features, Measurements
b. Field Techniques & Data
c. Nebraska Herpetofauna Identification
i. Amphibians (14)
ii. Frog calls
iii. Turtles (9)
iv. Lizards (10)
v. Snakes (29)
vi. Snake skins
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Human Dimensions of the Natural Resources
A. Ecosystem management
a. Define Ecosystem Management
b. Threats to Ecosystems
i. Human impacts
1. Invasive species
2. Pollution
3. Climate change
4. Other (Discussion)
B. Ecosystem Services, Ecotourism, and Economics: Putting it all together,
Why does this matter?
a. Ecotourism
b. Economics
c. Connection to Nature
i. Socio‐cultural Value
1. Community
2. Land Ethic
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
3. Different levels of land ethic
4. Indigenous peoples, etc.
ii. Human health
1. Psychological
2. Physical
3. Louv, Childhood obesity, school performance,
depression
4. Positive and negative impacts
iii. Environmental
1. Stewardship and land ethic
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Water Resources of Nebraska
I. Properties of Water
II. Water Cycle
III. Watersheds
IV. Groundwater (Ogallala Aquifer)
V. ACTIVITY: Groundwater and Surface Water Demos
VI. People and Water
a. History of Water in Nebraska
i. Ground Water and Above Surface Water Pre‐Settlement
ii. Flow rates
b. Current Uses of Water
i. Ground Water and Above Surface Water Currently
ii. Center pivot irrigation
iii. Dams
I. ACTIVITY: Water Quality Testing
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
II. Current Issues
a. Water Pollution
b. Water Rights Issues
i. Between states
ii. Within Nebraska
c. Other (Beneficial use priorities)
i. Municipal
ii. Agriculture Industrial
iii. Recreation
d. Toxic algae
III. What Can You Do?
a. Water at Home and in Businesses
b. Water Management on Private Land
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
Interpretation and Outreach
American Conservation History
I. The Naturalists
a. Audubon
b. Muir
c. Pinchot
d. Steven Mather
e. Leopold
f. Modern Environmental Movement
g. Calendar of events
Interpretation and Outreach
I. Information, Environmental Education and Interpretation: What’s the
difference?
a. Information
b. Interpretation
i. What is interpretation?
ii. What is the purpose?
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
1. To light a spark
2. Assist visitors to develop awareness, understanding, and
appreciation of outdoors
3. To accomplish management goals
4. Promote public understanding of agency goals &
objectives
iii. Why study interpretation in NMN?
c. Environmental Education:
i. Knowledge into action
ii. The components of environmental education are:
1. Awareness of environmental issues
2. Understanding of environmental challenges
3. Attitudes of concern for the environment and
motivation to improve environmental quality
4. Skills to identify and resolve environmental challenges
5. Participation in activities to lead to the resolution of
environmental issues
d. Differences Between Interpretation and Environmental Education
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
II. Benefits of Interpretation and Interpretation as a Management Tool
a. Increase recreation benefits
b. Resource protection
c. Visitor Protection—safety
d. Law Enforcement
e. Enhance visitor experiences
f. Make visitors aware of their place in the environment
g. Broaden visitor horizons ‐ big picture
h. Inform the public
i. Reduce park destruction
j. Assist in promotion of parks and tourism to economy
k. Motivate public to protect environment at historic sites
III. Interpretive Principles
a. Enos Mills
b. Freeman Tilden
c. Dr. Ted Cable and Larry Beck
d. Activity: Uninteresting Snake Education vs. Interpretation of a Snake
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
IV. Developmental stages
a. Physical and mental abilities of different ages
b. Activity: Puzzle pieces for the different stages
V. Learning Styles
a. Detailing learning styles
b. Activity: Bingo Game—Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
VI. Snack and potty break
VII. Interpretive Planning and Design
a. Identify need of stakeholders
b. Identify needs of audience
c. Assess resources
i. People
ii. Community
iii. Facilities
iv. Products and resources
d. Interpretive Planning
NEBRASKA MASTER NATURALIST Explore. Contribute. Connect.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 3310 Holdrege Street • 412 Hardin Hall • Lincoln, NE • 68583‐0974 Ph (402) 472‐8689 • Cell (402) 326‐8628 • Fx (402) 472‐2946 http://naturalist.unl.edu • [email protected]
e. Develop themes
i. Overall
ii. Major
iii. Minor
f. Interpretive Design
i. Hikes, themed
ii. Programs
iii. Brochures
iv. Signs
VIII. Hike
a. Trail techniques
b. Physical needs
c. Public speaking skills and techniques
IX. Challenges for Interpretation
X. Participants Develop a Program
XI. Conclusion –So why did we start the Master Naturalist training with
interpretation?
XII. Resource Page