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New England
Naturalist Training Center


  Field Courses
Intensive Field Studies (Spring & Summer 2007) Closed- waiting list only 
Intensive Field Studies (Fall & Winter 2007/2008)

Updated October 2007 

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Intensive Field Studies (IFS)

Spring / Summer  2007 Sorry-closed-waiting list only

Dates:   April 15 & 16
            May 21
            June 10 & 11
            July 8 & 9
            August 19 & 20
            September 9 & 10

The object and goal of the IFS will be to study a bundle of important aspects of nature (ecology) and to create a foundation of knowledge and skills. The overall focus will be on ecology, however students' personal interests will be effective in charting the direction of the IFS course. This is a comprehensive program covering many aspects of nature study. Areas to be investigated are soils, wetland ecology, large mammal studies (bear, moose, beaver, coyote, etc.) woody and herbaceous plants, ecological associations, and introductions to Old Growth forests, forestry, and insects. The IFS course will be held once a month on Saturday and Sunday. Locations for the classes will vary throughout the course. Participants should attend all sessions, complete homework assignments, keep a journal and perform independent fieldwork (the more you put in the more you will get out). The last two classes will be reserved for the presentation of fieldwork assignments.

The course is designed so that students will have the ability to learn at their own pace. This allows beginners as well as more advanced students to direct their studies and come to their full expression. Enrollment is limited and only those who are very serious and dedicated to learning more of the science and beauty of nature should apply.

Webster’s dictionary defines a Naturalist as “a person who studies nature, especially by direct study…” This course is designed to create that person. We will lay the foundation of ideas, concepts and skills to build knowledge and understanding. Direct participation is crucial; direct experience is demanded.

$750 per person

Click here to view the Syllabus

Please contact us for an IFS application.

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Intensive Field Studies (IFS)

Fall & Winter  2007/2008

Dates:    October 14, 
              November 4 & 12 
              December 2 & 3 
              January 6,14 & 27 
              and February 3 & 5
 

The object and goal of the IFS will be to study a bundle of important aspects of nature (ecology) and to create a foundation of knowledge and skills. The overall focus will be on ecology, but the needs of the class will be effective in charting the direction. This is a comprehensive program covering many aspects of nature study. Areas to be investigated are winter ecology, winter botany, large mammal studies (bear, moose, beaver, coyote, etc.) introduction to forest and stream ecology and an emphasis on winter tracking skills. The IFS course will be held on Saturdays and/or Sundays.  Locations for the classes will vary throughout the course but will most likely focus around central Massachusetts. Participants are expected to attend all sessions, keep a journal and perform independent fieldwork.  

The course is designed so that students will have the ability to learn at their own pace. This allows beginners as well as more advanced students to direct their studies and come to their full expression. Enrollment is limited and only those who are very serious and dedicated to learning more of the science and beauty of nature should apply.

Webster’s dictionary defines a Naturalist as “a person who studies nature, especially by direct study…” This course is designed to create that person. We will lay the foundation of ideas, concepts and skills to build knowledge and understanding. Direct participation is crucial; direct experience is demanded.

$750 per person

Click here to view Syllabus

Please contact us for an IFS application.

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