Get Outside!

Plant Ecology

We offer a variety of Aquatic Ecology classes, many of which are available year 'round, some seasonally. To varying degrees, these broad themes are the focus of each Aquatic Ecology class. See a complete list of Wolf Ridge's core curriculum themes and concepts.

  • Ecosystems: All living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem.
  • Natural Systems: Every component of nature forms a cycle and is in constant change.
  • Biodiversity: A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
  • Ecological Adaptations: All living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.
  • Population Ecology: Populations are limited to a density the environment can support by shortages basic needs, and may be further reduced by other mortality factors.
  • Human Culture and History: Humans and the environment are interrelated.

Three-Hour Morning or Afternoon Classes

Forest Ecology

Students will learn about trees and their value as both a living and a harvested resource. They will also learn that forests are much more than a collection of trees. "Adopting" a tree and touring a forest management area are some of the field activities. The final activity is a role play in which students need to develop a management plan for a hypothetical forest. This class can be paired with either stream study, fisheries management, beavers, animal signs, or cross country skiing to create an all-day excursion to the Forest Ecology building (bag lunches provided). One adult is recommended to accompany this class. See full description.

Plant Study

After identifying some of our most common plants, students will study and observe interactions between plants, herbivores, and other organisms. Finally, they will learn about plants as resources firsthand by making foods, drinks, dyes, and more. Our study will include algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns and their relatives, conifers, and flowering plants. See full description.

Trees and Keys

Students will learn how to construct and use a simple dichotomous identification key. Given a map and a simplified tree and shrub key, students will travel between trees and attempt to identify them correctly. Temperate and tropical forests will be compared and students will learn about species diversity. Students will receive a tropical forest tree seed to plant and to learn the value of maintaining biodiversity. See full description.

Wetlands Ecology

After establishing a common vocabulary in the study of wetlands, students will gather data regarding the vegetation, hydrology, and soil composition of several wetland types, including swamps, marshes, and peatlands. After returning from a discovery hike students analyze their data and map the Raven Lake wetlands. They will appreciate the uniqueness, diversity, and fragility of the wetland ecosystem. See full description.

1-1/2 Hour Evening Activity

Paper Making

Students will learn about the paper making process, its history, and then make their own recycled paper. The final product, a postcard, takes two hours to create with an overnight drying period. See full description.