STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Students from GEOG 3200 Sustainability visited the Dixon Water Foundation this spring to learn about restoration of grasslands in North and West Texas via adaptive multi-paddock grazing and other approaches to sustainable land management. Hilary Knight and Richard An of the Dixon Foundation led the students on a tour of the Josey Pavilion, a Living Building, itself a fascinating example of regenerative building construction and example of the sustainable potential of vernacular architecture. The students then visited an exclosure zone (pictured above),to witness the effects of decades of carefully planned rotational grazing. Finally, the Dixon staff took the class on a (very windy!)visit to the Leo Unit, to view cattle and sheep management in practice, as well as the transformation of former farmland into tallgrass prairie.

Students from GEOG 1710 Earth Science at Frisco visited the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary this spring to learn about biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by regional landscapes "Mr Dave" -- a 17-year veteran of the Heard Museum -- took the students on a tour of several Blackland Prairie restoration plots on the grounds of the museum (pictured above) The students identified key biotic components of the Blackland Prairie, and viewed the impacts of last year's drought on early spring growth Additionally, the students had an opportunity to compare carbon and nitrogen cycling in the different ecosystems present at the Heard Museum, and consider the implications for climate change As a surprise bonus, the students were able to meet a few rescued animals -- bobcats, white-tailed deer, and even a Patagonian cavy!