LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 523: LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY Spring Semester 2012 Lecture: 9:30-10:45 Tuesday and Thursday CALA building, Triangle West Instructor: Margaret Livingston, mlivings@u.arizona.edu 621-5359, A303L Landscape Architecture PURPOSE: Discussion and application of the theory of landscape ecology to illustrate

principles of the field and its relevance to the practice of landscape architecture. DESCRIPTION: The emphasis of this course is the understanding and subsequent use of principles of landscape ecology. This will be accomplished through the study of how spatial heterogeneity in landscapes influences various ecological processes in natural and created landscapes. Lectures will primarily focus on an abbreviated review of ecosystem processes, characterization of landscape pattern and dynamics, and the consequences of these factors on the environments we examine in the profession of landscape architecture. Material will typically be presented with a more global perspective, whereas class discussions and field trips will generally focus on regional examples. Topics and concepts related to landscape ecology such as creating sustainability in environments and rehabilitation of terrestrial plant communities will also be highlighted in the course. This course will provide students with sufficient background to formulate questions related to ecological processes in urban, exurban, and natural areas. Furthermore, students will understand the reasoning behind methods of spatial data collection and analyses used to address ecological questions. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course students should have: 1. an understanding of the basic concepts and terminology of landscape ecology; 2. an understanding of general ecological processes and their interactions with the

landscape; 3. an understanding of landscape patterns and structure and their impact on ecological

processes; 4. a recognition of general ecological changes in landscape patterns over time; 5. the ability to use principles of landscape ecology to evaluate relationships among spatial

patterns and ecological processes. COURSE REFERENCES: The first two texts will provide a foundation for material covered in lectures. I would recommend purchasing the second text. A copy of these books will be on reserve in the office for students to check out. Additional readings will be predominantly journal articles and chapters from Nassauer (1997) available as PDFs in the D2L site. Additional books listed provide different views about and approaches to the field of landscape ecology. Texts: Forman, Richard T.T. and M. Godron. 1986. Landscape Ecology. John Wiley and Sons. (1 copy on reserve in office; available for 2 hour checkout) Dramstad, W.E., J.D. Olson, and R.T.T. Forman. 1996. Landscape Ecology Principles in Landscape Architecture and Land-Use Planning. Island Press. (Reasonably priced, provides effective overview of concepts) Nassauer, J. I. Placing Nature: Culture and Landscape Ecology. 1997. Island Press. (1 copy on reserve in office; available for 2 hour checkout)

Additional texts discussed in lecture: Forman, Richard T.T. 1995. Land Mosaics: The Ecology of Landscape and Regions. Cambridge University Press. Gergel, S.E. and M.G. Turner. 2002. Learning Landscape Ecology: a practical guide to concepts and techniques. 2002. Springer Press. Turner, M.G., Gardner, R.H., and R.V. O'Neill. 2001. Landscape ecology in theory and practice: pattern and process. Springer Press. Arizona Soils, by David M. Hendricks. Tucson, Ariz.: College of Agriculture, University of Arizona, 1985. This electronic copy was produced in February 2002 in part with grant funds provided by the Library Services and Technology Act.

Additional References: Books: Design with Nature, McHarg Ecological Design and Planning, Thompson and Steiner Landscape Planning, Marsh Landscape Ecology and Land Use, Vink

Journals:

Landscape Ecology

Ecology

Oikos

Bioscience

Journal of Ecology

Ecological Applications

Conservation Biology

EVALUATION:

Assignment reports/discussions 15%

2 Lecture exams 50%

2 projects 25%

Participation/article summaries 10%

Evaluation of assignments will be based on organization, and presentation.

Reading summaries should consist of a 150-250 word summary of each assigned article. Note drop

dates for each article(s).

Academic integrity:

You are encouraged to share intellectual views and discuss freely the principles and applications

of the course materials. However, class exercises must be executed independently, except as

noted by the instructor. This course operates under the Academic Code:

catalog.arizona.edu/policies/974/acacode.htm

Incomplete Policy:

Any incomplete grade given must be verified with a written agreement with the student that

specifies the work to be done and a timetable for completion.

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself

Chinese Proverb

Week/Date

Topic

*Reading(s)

T = text, A = article Week 1

January 8

What is landscape ecology? Introduction to

landscape ecology (TH)

A: Stenitz, Wiens, Franklin,

Ludwig, Makhzoumi (1/22*, D2L)

LE terminology also available in

D2L for review Week 2

January 15

Introduction; Landscape ecology principles and

concepts, Assignment one assigned (TH)

T: Forman and Godron (F and

G) Ch. 1, Dramstad (Dstd) pp. 5-

14 (support) Week 3

January 22

Ecological concepts, discuss Assignment one (T)

(Summary dropped by one team member: 1/29, D2L)

Assignment two assigned (2/13, D2L)

T: F and G Ch. 2

A: Haber and McClaran & Brady

(2/5, D2L) Week 4

January 29

Ecological concepts cont’d, Arizona communities

T: F and G Ch. 3, Dstd pp. 19-31

Week 5

February 5

Ecological concepts

T: F and G Ch. 4, Dstd pp. 36-39

A: Lienert (2/19, D2L)

Week 6

February 12

Ecological concepts, Patches

Project one assigned (T) Guest lecture (TH)

A: Nassauer Introduction (2/26,

D2L) Week 7

February 19

California Field trip – no class this week

Week 8

February 26

Patches continued and Corridors

Field trip/Assignment three assigned (TH): Rillito River

(3/26 D2L)

T: F and G Ch. 5, Dstd pp.41-45

A: Nassauer Ch.3, Naiman et al.,

Revkin, Harris (3/11, D2L) Week 9

March 4

Exam one (Thursday)

Matrix and Networks, Natural processes in landscape

development

T: F and G Ch. 6 and 7

Week 10

March 11 SPRING BREAK

Week 11

March 18

Human role in landscape development

T: F and G Ch. 8

A: Nassauer Ch. 1, 2 and 7

(4/1, D2L) Week 12

March 25

Flows and movement across landscapes

Present Rillito River assignment (T)

T: F and G Ch. 9

Week 13

April 1

Movement continued: metapopulation dynamics

T: F and G Ch. 10

Week 14

April 8

Landscape function and change

Project one due 4/10, 9:30 a.m. (or drop in D2L)

Project two assigned (T)

Third-year presentations (TH)

T: F and G Ch. 11 and 12

A: Nassauer Ch. 4 and 5, Spirn

(4/22, D2L)

Week 15

April 15

Landscape heterogeniety and management

Field trip: Cienega Creek (TH, 4/19)

T: F and G Ch. 13 and 14

A: Grumbine, Kondolf, Orr

(4/29, D2L) Week 16

April 22

Landscape heterogeniety and management

T: F and G Ch. 13 and 14

Week 17

April 29

Exam two (Tuesday, 5/1) T: Dstd 47-70

Week 18

May 6

Project two due 5/8, D2L

* Due by 11:59 pm, unless otherwise stated.