Document: KAT-3-28-19

Ecological restoration and GIS: Curriculum for the Montana Natural History Center

WARNER, K.E.* and C.A.BREWER

University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812 USA ¹

Abstract:
Loss of habitat and the invasion of non-native species have led to a decline in native flora in Montana. Many studies indicate that increased awareness of local natural ecosystems and native species develops appreciation and interest in conservation in residents. I developed an educational program in order to integrate plant biology and restoration ecology into the classroom, using geographical information systems (GIS) to promote awareness of local environments. In the summer of 1999, I collected baseline data describing the upper-canopy vegetation on Sleven's Island, Missoula, MT and input this information into ArcView 3.1. Using ArcView 3.1, vegetation coverages were created and overlaid onto a georeferenced aerial photograph of Sleven's Island. Local plant species were collected, pressed, and identified by 87 students in grades 2-7 from the Missoula area. Six hundred and eleven specimens of over 115 species were collected. The specimens were organized into voucher collections and an educational display for the Montana Natural History Center. Curriculum utilizing GIS was created and implemented through the University of Montana where elementary and high school students investigated invasive plant populations on Sleven's Island. They were asked to make management recommendations to restore the area to a natural state. Pre- and post-assessment of attitudes indicates that the curriculum has been successful in increasing awareness of invasive plants and fostering a more positive attitude about native species and plants in general.

Keywords: ecological education, restoration ecology, plants

This abstract is being presented at: 9:45 AM in session:
Oral Session #24: Ecological Learning Activities.