Darlene Panvini, Steve Murphree, Denise Due-Goodwin
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 9:30-10:00
Urban natural areas provide ideal locations for research projects and course field labs facilitated by students and faculty at local universities. Close proximity to field sites results in cost effective projects with minimal time and expense lost to travel, as well as the opportunity to engage in long-term studies. Faculty can use urban natural areas for undergraduate and graduate research, service-learning assignments, field labs, and independent student projects. Students experience hands-on opportunities for application of concepts while developing appreciation for urban natural areas. The urban natural area also provides many chances for students to learn about the social, political, and economic factors inherent in land resource management in addition to the scientific principles the course is emphasizing. The resultant research papers and findings increase knowledge and inventories while providing networking opportunities within the academic community for natural area managers. This session will describe various ways for natural area managers and universities to partner, a process of obtaining research permits, and strategies for building relationships and developing projects. Student safety and protection of the natural area resource are also critical to successful use of the "urban living laboratory". The ultimate outcome is that both groups, urban natural area managers and academics, find partnerships to be a winwin situation that further exemplifies public benefit from designated urban natural areas.
Keywords: URBAN NATURAL AREAS, UNIVERSITIES, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, PARTNERSHIPS