EPIC Forestry was a pilot program to develop and deliver a new undergraduate field course (FOR301: Field Methods in Forest Conservation) that blends knowledge of conservation science with hands-on experiential learning in a forest setting. By assembling a unique set of experiential education and training resources, the project’s goal was to develop and deliver cross-disciplinary undergraduate training in forest science, biodiversity conservation, and forest ecosystem management for the next generation of conservation, sustainability, and forest leaders.
Two key objectives of EPIC-Forestry were to:
(1) develop a new field course in applied forest conservation
(2) develop a set of interactive modules focused on applied experiential learning that will enhance intake in our core undergraduate Forest Conservation (FOR200) course.
Outcomes
The project resulted in the development of a new undergraduate field course (FOR301: Field Methods in Forest Conservation) and the development of an interactive e-learning module that has since been integrated into the curriculum in FOR200 Conservation of Canada’s Forests.
The EPIC Forestry project allowed for the development and delivery of a new undergraduate field course in forest conservation. Need and EDI-based scholarships supported by LEAF funding ensured the course remained accessible and affordable for U of T undergraduate students. In addition, an interactive e-learning module was produced based on videography captured during the course that has now been integrated into the undergraduate Forestry curriculum in FOR200 Conservation of Canada’s Forest.