Biology Field Trip Information

I hope most of the information will be useful to those who wish to participate in Field Trips in the future. This informational Web site was compiled from handouts that I received and information that I observed myself while on the Biology Field Trip during Spring 2003.

About the Biology Field Trip:

The Biology Field Trip, which is held during Spring Break, enrolls a maximum of 33 students. Usually, two professors and a birder named Anita supervise. In Spring 2003, Dr. Holton and Dr. Pillsbury led the trip to the Naval Live Oaks area near Santa Rosa Island.

Biology 373 (Biology 573) is 2 credits and does count toward your Spring credit load.

Here is the description from the 2001-2003 UWO Undergraduate Catalog:

Biology 373 2 units (crs.)
Biology Field Trip
Formal library and classroom study of an area of interest followed by field study of that area. Site of study will change from year to year and could include Florida Everglades and Keys, Gulf Coast, Desert Southwest, etc. A final examination will follow the trip. See instructor for special course fees. May be taken more than once for credit but only two (2) units (crs.) will apply toward the major or minor at the undergraduate level or MS Biology degree. To receive credit, student must be enrolled at beginning of term. 373/573 (Spring)

Activities:

Some of the Fun Activities that Field Trippers in Spring 2003 Participated in Included:

Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico

Irish dancing--courtesy of Dr. Pillsbury on St. Patrick's Day

Cooking and eating shrimp and crab brought up from the trawler net.

Learning about and applying biological concepts

Shopping for food at Super Wal-Mart

Going on "nature walks"

The Projects:

For the Spring 2003 field trip, all participants were required to do a project and write a paper about that project. The following are examples of some projects that have been completed in the past:

1. Daily log/journal

Objective: To Keep a Daily Log of everything that you do, see and participate in.

Write about the animals, vegetation, geography of the area and/or anything that interested you.

Record daily entries in a bound journal using a pencil or water proof ink.

2. Bird watching

Objective: To identify and observe birds

Beginning birders identify at least 30 species while more advanced birders identify at least 45 species of birds.

Describe each bird, its characteristics, behavior, diet, range, habitat, flight pattern, size and/or shape.

Pick a favorite bird and write a more detailed account.

3. Other projects from previous field trips:

Identification and natural history of reptiles and amphibians

Change in the vegetation (succession)

Survey and identification of spiders or other Insects

Collection and identification of freshwater invertebrates

Collection and identification of fish

Identification of local flora (with photographs)

Identification of animal tracks (with photographs)

Collection and identification of shells on the beach

For More Information About the Field Trip,

please contact: Dr. Holton in HS 42 or HS 142.

Site Created By: Kara Hartmann

Any questions or comments, please E-Mail me at: Hartmk23@uwosh.edu