New Century College Professor Elizabeth Freeman believes students should experience field research hands-on. Her NCLC 401 Conservation Biology students traveled to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina’s Outer Banks area for a weekend trip to study road ecology: the effects of roadways on local species.
The class monitored fur caught on fence lines, observed a scientist conduct fieldwork for the red wolf recovery program, and set up camera traps to capture images of the wolves and other nocturnal animals. At the end of each busy day, the students enjoyed the amenities of their rented home, which included a screened porch and an outdoor hot tub.
Dr. Freeman encourages her students to create their own learning experiences outside of the classroom by attending conservation lectures in the D.C. area, visiting local protected areas to evaluate their effectiveness in protecting species, and traveling to study animals in other natural habitats.
October 22, 2012
