BIO EARTHSYS 105 Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve

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EDUCATION AT JASPER RIDGE

​In 1975, Jasper Ridge began developing community education programs that would enhance educational opportunities for both the university and the community. In 1977, Stanford students were incorporated into the docent program and a formal, rigorous class was established, now Biology 105A/B Earth Systems 105 A/B. During academic year 2018/19, the JRBP education program included more than 100 active affiliates/docents comprised of a mix of Stanford students and local community. JRBP docents provide field -based education and are trained to "teach on the trail" with meaningful curricula to serve a very broad age range.  Class description and enrollment information here 

JR affilates also have opportunities to work with researchers and some projects at the preserve are carried out entirely by volunteers with staff oversight. For many years, members of the JRBP community have conducted regular bird surveys and produced invaluable bird lists and data bases. Volunteer efforts are also responsible for the outstanding teaching collection in JRBP's Oakmead Herbarium, insect collection, bird census, ant survey, K-12 outreach and more.

Biology / Earth Systems 105 and the Jasper Ridge community illustrate the committment of both instructors and students alike to provide opportunities for inquiry-based education in ecology and provide a bridge between education (both formal and informal) and the volunteer base of the preserve.

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COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Completion in sequence of both Winter and Spring quarters are required to join and complete the Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve course.
The Ecology and Natural History of the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve is an upper-division course that aims to help students learn ecology and natural history using a “living laboratory”, the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. The course’s central goal is that, as a community of learning, we examine –via introductory discussions, followed by hands-on experiences in the field– the scientific basis of ecological research, archaeology, edaphology, geology, species interactions, land management, and multidisciplinary environmental education. The first 10 sessions that compose the academic program are led by the instructors, faculty (world-experts on the themes of each session), and JRBP staff. In addition, this 20-week course (winter and spring quarters) trains students to become JRBP Docents that will join the Jasper Ridge education affiliates community.

After completing the 20 weeks of the Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve course and as new affiliates of Jasper Ridge, participants will be able to lead research-focused educational tours, assist with classes and research, and attend continuing education activities available to members of the JRBP community.

A community of learning and respect. The 20-week course operates as a community-based learning environment in which diversity, inclusion and belonging are central. Participants commit to be respectful and thoughtful in their interactions and we expect that everyone feels comfortable in sharing ideas, asking questions, listening actively, and collaborating effectively.

Transportation is provided to and from Jasper Ridge from main campus on Thursdays.

Unit of Credit, Stanford's Existing Policy. Stanford's long-standing policy, which is in compliance with the federal definition, is published in the Stanford Bulletin, and states that every unit for which credit is given is understood to represent approximately three hours of actual work per week for the average student. This policy is in compliance with federal regulations. For more information visit the Stanford Registrar's Office.

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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve course

We follow Stanfords academic calendar

Important 2022 dates to apply for 2023 105 BIO / EARTHSYS:

09/05/2022. Applications are posted.

10/11/2022. Deadline for community members.

10/28/2022. Deadline for Stanford students.

November 2022. Review of applications.

December 2022. Cohort confirmed.

Important 2023 Winter quarter dates:

Thursday 01/12/2023. First day of 105 classes for winter quarter.

Thursday 03/16/2023. Last day of 105 classes for winter quarter.

03/20-24/2023. Finals week winter quarter.

03/27-31/2023. Spring break.

Important 2023 Spring quarter dates:

04/06/2023. First day of 105 classes spring quarter. 

06/08/2023. Last day of 105 classes and graduation ceremony!

06/9-14/2023. Finals week spring quarter.

Please read the class information in the application packet before submitting your application.

Class information and application for community members (deadline 10/10/2022). 

Please apply next year!

Class information and application for Stanford students (deadline 11/02/2022):

Please apply next year!

Short course description with tentative schedule for 2023 (coming soon):

For more information about BIO / EARTHSYS for 2023 contact:

Jorge Ramos, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Environmental Education

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve 

jorge.ramos@stanford.edu

Office: (650) 529-1329