Learn principles and practices for managing critical habitats. Remnant and restored natural areas act as reservoirs for plant, animal, and insect diversity.
Join us as we visit a variety of managed ecosystems in the Chicago area to discuss current conservation challenges and strategies with site managers and volunteer stewards.
The online component of this class is self-guided and can be completed wherever you have access to a computer, at your own pace. Online assignments are due before the in-person session.
How do I access the program?
- Your access information for the online materials will be included in the order summary email you receive after registering.
- Log in to treelearning.mortonarb.org with the access information provided after the start date of the class.
Two sessions of the class will meet outdoors and in person at sites of regional restoration interest in order to explore those natural areas management case studies.
COVID-19 Precautions:
Program participants must abide by the Arboretum’s safety guidelines.
- This class includes both online and in-person sessions. Online assignments must be completed before the in-person class.
- The online materials will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
- Registration closes five hours before online materials become available. Participants will have access to online materials for 60 days after the course start date.
- Please dress for the weather during the in-person session, with long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy footwear. Sunscreen and insect repellent may come in handy.
- Bring a snack and water to the in-person sessions.
- In-person classes meet at regional natural areas; driving directions will be provided.
- Limit 20
Requirements:
- Participants must have access to the internet via a computer or mobile device.
- A unique email address for each participant is required at registration.
Continuing education:
This class fulfills a requirement for the Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program. (Learn more about N-ACT.)
Spencer Campbell, program coordinator, collections volunteers, The Morton Arboretum
Spencer Campbell has over a decade of experience in ecological restoration and environmental education. He is a self-professed “plant geek” who is eager to share his knowledge of the native flora and fauna of the Midwest. His classes will cover a range of topics about natural resource management, while also creating a space for participants in his classes to explore their own relationship with the natural world. As the collections volunteer program Coordinator at The Morton Arboretum, his current focus is providing opportunities for the public to participate in land stewardship and equipping them with the skills to lead natural resource management projects in their own communities.
