David La Puma

 

Instructors:

Julie L Lockwood

DEENR - 14 College Farm Rd

732-932-xxxx

David La Puma

Plant Physiology Bldg. – Cook Campus

732-932-xxxx

lapuma@eden.rutgers.edu

Office Hours: Mondays 9:30 - 10:30am

 

                                               

Required Text:                   

Atlantic Shorelines: Natural History and Ecology

By Mark D. Bertness

(Available at the Cook campus coop bookstore)

 

Class Meetings:   

We will meet from 2:15 – 4:55pm in room 145 of the Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources Building (EENR) (14 College Farm Rd., Cook Campus)

Field Trips:              

We will meet outside of EENR, departing at 8:00am and returning by 5:00pm

 

                                   

Course Objectives:

 

If you’re not from New Jersey, then you may not have heard the phrase “we’re going down the shore”. For the rest of us, this term translates to “we’re going to the beach”, and for many it elicits feelings of great excitement!

 

The Jersey Shore is one of the most coveted locations in the Garden State, especially during the summer months, but how could such a dynamic landscape be the place that everyone flocks to?? In this course we’ll explore the ecology of the Jersey Shore and discover how dynamic it really is. We’ll gain an understanding of how shorelines develop by observing the landscape, and we’ll learn about how species make their living in this system constantly under the influence of disturbances such as wind, salt spray, and wave action. How did so many plants and animals evolve to exist at the interface between the great oceans and the mainland? How have humans influenced the landscape, and what effects might a changing climate have on all living creatures “down the Shore”?

 

We will explore these questions and more through several field trips to the Shore. First we will head to the salt marshes of Tuckerton Seaport and the Rutgers research station. Later we will head to one of the most pristine beaches in New Jersey, Long Beach Island, where we’ll explore the dynamics of barrier islands and the dune systems and maritime forests that once covered many more of them up and down the shore.  Together we will question our surroundings in an effort to understand the ecological and evolutionary relationships before us.

 

Grading:

Abstract #1	(Sept 24)	30%
Abstract #2	(Oct 8)	30%
Class discussions	(Oct 8)	25%
Participation		15%

 

 

Attendance: 

Because of the limited times we meet, attendance for both lectures and field trips is mandatory…besides…we’re going to the beach!

 

Field Trips

Clothing:  Field trips will take us to some of the most pristine coastal areas of New Jersey, consequently, this will require hiking in all sorts of terrain such as rocks, sand, marsh, which will likely result in you getting your feet wet and mucky!  Therefore, on every trip, you must have shoes that will comfortably get you through mud and shallow, standing water. Sandal styles such as Keens, Tevas, or Chacos, with straps keeping sandals on your feet work very well; they dry quickly, allow water to pass through them, and are easy to clean sand out of while walking. Flip-flops, your “good” sneakers, or any type of dress shoe are not appropriate. Rubber boots are good for walking in the salt marsh, but will quickly become uncomfortable if you’re not used to them. If you prefer dry feet at the end of the day, stash a fresh pair of socks and shoes in your bag for the ride home.  As for temperature, the mornings are already getting cooler, but the days remain in the 80’s, so make sure you check the weather forecast the night before, and layer if necessary. If the forecast calls for wind, a windbreaker might be helpful for the cool morning. This is a course on the Jersey Shore, but you’ll need to wear something with pockets to stow your notepad and pencil in between note taking (Speedo and bikini bottoms don’t have pockets). Because we’ll be outside for most of the day, you will want to wear a hat and sunscreen too.

 

Lunch: Make sure you pack a lunch and snacks for each field trip, as we will not be making stops for food en route. Also bring enough water for you for the entire day. It can be hot out there- and you’ll want to remain hydrated.

 

To Go, or Not To Go: Our field trips are highly weather dependent. Any decision to postpone a field trip will be made the night before the trip. Pleasant days or heavy rain make the decision easy, but sometimes the call can be less clear. If there is any doubt, check your email on the morning of the trip, or call David at 305-484-4402 (cell).

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

 

Date		Description	What’s Due?	Readings (to be completed before class)
10-Sep	Initial Meeting	Introductions, Syllabus, Assign readings and projects
17-Sep	Lecture #1	Concepts in Ecology & Evolution; Shoreline Formation		Chapt. 4 Processes and patterns in shoreline communities
22-Sep	Field Trip #1	To Tuckerton Seaport and Field Station		Chapt. 6,7 Soft Sediment Habitats, Salt Marsh and Mangrove Communities
24-Sep	Lecture #2	Discussion - Community dynamics goes coastal	Abstract #1	Chapt. 5 Rocky Shores
6-Oct	Field Trip #2	To Long Beach Island
8-Oct	Lecture #3	Discussion - Issues of conservation along the Jersey Shore	Abstract #2	Hot topic readings (we will provide via email)