Here's a little FAQ to get you up to speed. If you're a general biology student you have probably been assigned a certain number of objectives. If you're an urban forestry student (FOR 265) you've been assigned ALL of the objectives. Read on the see some responses to frequently asked questions.

Urban what? I thought we would focus on an ecosystem a little bit closer to home - the urban ecosystem. Most of you (80% of all Americans) will be living and working in urban areas for your entire life. The urban environment has a profound influence on our health and welfare. Perhaps it would be a good idea to understand the biology behind this complex and rapidly changing environment.

Why are we doing this as module-whatcha-ma-call-it? I know that you're a little behind and under stress at this time of the semester, so I have arranged the material in a manner that will allow you to learn it with, or without, my assistance. I will be available in lecture to provide mini-lectures on the assigned learning objectives (see schedule). 

How are we going to be tested?  

• You General Biology students will be assessed on your knowledge of this material on your final exam (or a separate test, depending upon your instructor), just like the other material covered in the ecology unit.
• You Urban Forestry - check your schedule for regular test dates.
   

Why did you do this? 
Click on the Student link for my justification. I thought it made more sense to place my materials on-line so my colleagues (arborists and educators) could provide feedback and use my materials. I also started this project because I was not satisfied with the one, or two, existing urban forestry textbooks available to college instructors. I'm all for learning about remote ecosystems, but to remain ignorant about the ecosystem where you live would be criminal, especially since you have the potential to improve this ecosystem.