Master Ecologist

Course Overview

Master Ecologist is an immersive and accelerated learning experience that utilizes the diverse habitats at Duke Farms as a living laboratory. Over the course of the program, participants will explore ecological principles, management strategies and conservation practices under the guidance of experts from academia, government and private sectors. Designed for environmental educators, land managers, stewards, private landowners, natural resource professionals and environmentally conscious community members, this program emphasizes hands-on field experiences, analytical skills and collaborative learning.

Participants will study four key habitats—wetlands, freshwater ecosystems, meadows and forests—spending two months focusing on each through field sessions and classroom lectures. A companion, asynchronous component will provide a deeper understanding of ecological processes and survey methods.

Continuing Education Credits

Master Ecologist is approved for credits from the following organizations.

American Society for Landscape Architecture (ASLA): 32 hours

Ecological Society of America (ESA): TBD

New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): TBD

Instructors

Jeff Geist, Community and Professional Education Manager, Duke Farms

Mike McGraw, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Princeton Hydro

Dr. Kristi MacDonald, Director of Science, Raritan Headwaters

Brianna Casario, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, NJ DEP

Dr. Mike Van Clef, Program Director, NJ Invasive Species Strike Team

Dr. Kim Russell, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University

Prerequisites

This program assumes participants have a very basic knowledge of native NJ flora and fauna and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that field sessions will take place partially outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 2 hours in various weather conditions (cold and hot temperatures, rain, snow, etc.)

Program Guidelines

Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.

We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Course Schedule

2/20: Master Ecologist Orientation (via Zoom) from 7:00pm-8:00pm

3/22: Wetland Ecology – Amphibians from 4:00pm-8:00pm

4/19: Wetland Ecology – Birds from 7:00am-11:00am

5/24: Freshwater Ecology – Riverine Systems from 9:00am-1:00pm

6/21: Freshwater Ecology – Streams from 9:00am-1:00pm

7/19: Meadow Ecology – Botany Lab from 9:00am-1:00pm

8/28: Meadow Ecology – Pollinators from 9:00am-1:00pm

9/20: Forest Ecology – Deer and Invasives from 9:00am-1:00pm

10/18: Forest Ecology – Monitoring Lab from 9:00am-1:00pm

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will be able to

1. Communicate ecological and environmental concepts effectively.
2. Identify and evaluate key environmental challenges.
3. Apply technological tools and analytical methods to ecological data.
4. Develop evidence-based strategies for ecological management.
5. Propose innovative, science-driven solutions for pressing conservation issues.

Course Structure

Field Sessions
These monthly sessions combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning in the field, offering students opportunities to engage directly with ecological concepts and habitats at Duke Farms. Each session is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills related to the habitat of focus.

Practical Labs
Dedicated four-hour sessions that emphasize outdoor hypothesis development, data collection and experimental design. These labs are integral to applying ecological principles in real-world contexts. Students will gather and analyze data, interpret ecological patterns and collaboratively explore solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

Asynchronous Content
The asynchronous e-learning component is an essential complement to the hands-on sessions, designed to deepen students’ understanding of ecological principles and methodologies. Delivered through Canvas, this self-paced coursework includes readings, instructional videos, quizzes, peer-reviewed article analyses and guided discussions. Across four structured units, students will engage with materials that connect directly to the in-person sessions, enabling them to synthesize field experiences with academic concepts. Each unit culminates in assignments and discussion prompts, fostering collaboration and critical thinking among participants. This component ensures a well-rounded learning experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.