Conservation Biology in the Southern Appalachians

4 Credit Hours
July 20–August 1, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Christopher B. Mowry, Berry College

Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary science devoted to understanding and safeguarding Earth’s biodiversity—a field that is both inspiring in its discoveries and sobering in its urgency. Nowhere is this duality more evident than in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots. Students in this course will encounter the region’s remarkable species richness firsthand while exploring the ecological, social, and management complexities that shape modern conservation efforts.

Course Overview
Classroom lessons will be directly connected to field experiences in nearby forests, coves, bogs, and bottomlands. Students will engage with a range of core topics, including:

Patterns, distribution, and measurement of biodiversity

Population modeling and extinction vulnerability

Climate change impacts and adaptation

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and connectivity

Overexploitation, invasive species, and disease

Endangered species management

In situ and ex situ conservation strategies

The roles of local, national, and international conservation organizations

Throughout the course, students will gain exposure to practitioners and researchers whose expertise and on-the-ground experience illuminate real-world conservation challenges and solutions.

Format & Expectations
Each day will combine lecture-based instruction with field and laboratory activities. The schedule will remain flexible to accommodate weather conditions and guest collaborators, but students should plan for 7–8 hours per day of engagement in class and/or field settings. Lectures will be supplemented with visual tools—including presentations, news stories, online resources, and selected films—while hands-on learning will include:

Field site visits and case studies

Computer modeling exercises

Compilation of a biodiversity journal

Written lab assignments submitted through Canvas

Who Should Enroll
This course is designed primarily for upper-level undergraduates majoring in biology, environmental science, or related fields who have—or wish to develop—a strong foundation in organismal and ecological biology. A working knowledge of basic ecological and evolutionary principles is recommended; however, students at other stages in their academic careers are encouraged to contact the instructor with questions. The course is also open to lifelong learners and those seeking CEUs or CECs.