2022 Summer Program

Instructor:                   Alix Pfennigwerth

                                    alix.pfennigwerth@gmail.com

Meeting times:           USU campus days: 9:00AM-12:00PM (~3 days/wk, Room: HSL 211)

                                    Canyonlands Research Center/CRC days: 9:00AM-5:00PM (~2 days/wk)

Office Hours:             1:00PM-3:00PM (USU campus days, Alix/Danielle, Room: HSL 211)

Overview

The N.A.T.U.R.E. Program is an immersive, 7-week summer program designed to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders from the Four Corners Region with essential skills to work in the field of natural resource management. For the next seven weeks, you’ll spend time in both the classroom and the outdoors, interacting with some of the leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists working in the region.

A common theme throughout this program is restoration. As climate change and other disturbances continue to impact this region, we’re faced with the immense challenge of restoring lands, waterways, and communities to be healthy and resilient. We can best tackle this challenge by incorporating innovative solutions from diverse voices and perspectives. Indigenous Peoples, who have been stewarding the lands and waters of North America since time immemorial, are among the most important leaders in addressing these environmental issues.

Learning Objectives

This program has been designed to advance your knowledge of natural resource management and restoration as well as contribute to your overall professional development. Skills you’ll develop include:

1. 1. Create and sustain a learning community throughout the program
   2. Articulate and defend a position thoughtfully and respectfully in writing and speaking
   3. Collaborate with people of varying knowledge and points of view toward common goals
   4. Develop and present an independently researched project

Learning Cycle

Each week, we’ll go through a ‘learning cycle’ that should feel familiar to you by the end of the program. First, you’ll prepare for the week by reviewing articles and other materials and completing associated assignments. During the week, you’ll typically spend three days in class on the USU-Blanding campus and two days in the field at the Canyonlands Research Center.

Classroom days will include guest speakers on various topics and corresponding discussions and activities. Field days will include field trips and activities to provide you hands-on experience corresponding with that week’s classroom topics. At the end of each week, you’ll be asked to write a reflection by responding to 3-4 question prompts. These reflections are your chance to reflect on the week’s readings, in-class discussions, and field activities. Each week, you’ll also spend time developing your final project.

Assignments and Expectations

1. Pre-work readings and assignments: Each week we will provide a list of required articles, videos, podcasts, and/or other materials to review. These materials will introduce you to the week’s topics and speakers and will serve as a launching off point for group discussions. You will turn in assignments based on these materials, which may include responses to question prompts or questions to ask upcoming presenters.
2. Guest lectures: You will have the chance to interact with various guest speakers throughout the program via Zoom or in-person. You should be prepared to actively listen to these speakers as well as ask questions and contribute to the conversation.
3. In-class discussions: Each week, we will synthesize lectures, readings, and other activities with group discussions. This is your opportunity to dig deeper, articulate a point, consider different perspectives, and evaluate evidence. We will follow these ground rules during discussions:
   1. 1. Listen respectfully and without interrupting.
      2. Listen actively, with an ear to understanding others’ views.
      3. Critique ideas rather than individuals.
      4. Commit to learning, not debating.
      5. Allow everyone the chance to speak.
4. Weekly reflections: Each week, you’ll write reflections on readings, lectures and activities from the week. The goal of these reflections is to synthesize what you’ve learned, identify topics relevant to your personal/professional interests, and connect major themes throughout the program. These will be assigned mid-week and due the following Monday by 5pm.
5. Final project: You will develop and work on a final project on a topic of your choosing related to one of the program’s general themes. At the end of the program, you will give a 10-15 minute PowerPoint presentation on your project. 

Schedule

Additional Contact Information

Program Director:                             Nichole Barger

                                                            nichole.barger@colorado.edu

USU-Blanding Faculty Director:      Gustavo Ovando-Montejo

                                                            gustavo.ovando@usu.edu

CRC Program Manager:                   Kristen Reed

                                                            kristen.redd@tnc.org

Program Coordinator:                      Danielle Tso

                                                            daniellesmiley32@gmail.com