the satilla initiative: spring 2004
The Satilla Initiative is a service learning course that
provides a structured and supportive format for students to apply policy,
design and ecological principles learned in the classroom to the real
world of people and policy.
Mission Statement
To help protect the ecological integrity of the Satilla
River Basin by working with stakeholders to reduce the impact of human
activities on water quality and biodiversity.
Philosophy and History
The Satilla Initiative matches graduate students
from the University of Georgia with community stakeholders facing specific
environmental challenges. Students from law, ecology, environmental design,
wildlife ecology, scientific illustration and agricultural engineering
may participate in the course. Water quality and the protection and restoration
of aquatic species through the best available science, design and policy
concepts are key goals for this hands-on program. The course presents
a holistic approach to land use planning from the perspectives of our
interdisciplinary faculty and guest lecturers.
Goals
- Provide an educational environment where students can
apply skills learned in the traditional classroom to pressing community
concerns and problems;
- Provide an opportunity for students and faculty to work
with other disciplines in integrated environmental decision-making and
problem-solving, thus improving their ability to understand, communicate
with, and influence other disciplines;
- Increase awareness of the importance of addressing environmental
issues proactively within the university community and the broader community;
- Respond to community concerns and problems in the Satilla
River Basin;
- Build capacity for service learning at the University
of Georgia.
Class Format
- Three or four class meetings in first two weeks of semester to select projects and develop work-plans;
- Approximately four to six lectures (Fridays from 12:30-3:30 p.m.) on ecological, design and policy issues affecting the watershed;
- One weekend paddling trip on the Satilla River;
- Periodic group meetings to develop particular projects;
- Project presentation (either to stakeholders or to the class and other interested parties at the University) with dress rehearsal;
- A journal logging each student's activities and reflections on the meaning of the service learning experience and ecological design and policy implications;
- At least one meeting between faculty and each individual student to reflect on and evaluate course progress and issues and concerns.
Expectations (students)
Attend class lectures and field trip, read assignments prior to each lecture, work together to define class projects, attend group meetings and work cooperatively to develop a work plan and to complete the project, attend individual meetings with professors, and keep a journal of work completed and associated reflections. Students will be graded on class participation and project substance and presentation.
Expectations (faculty)
Coordinate informative lectures and field trip; facilitate interaction between students and stakeholders in the Satilla River Basin; provide support to students in identifying and completing particular projects; facilitate dress rehearsals and project presentations; facilitate publication of projects and provide a forum for students to reflect on their experiences in the course.
Background Information
Overview of River Ecosystems (lecture outline by Ron Carroll, MS Word)
Course Rubric (MS Word)
Website Quiz (MS Word)
Work Plan Outline (MS Word)
State of Knowledge Report: Satilla River Estuary (link to external site)
Satilla Initiative, Spring 2004 (PDF; 1.86 MB)
Section 401 Water Quality Certification (PDF version of Powerpoint presentation by Keith Parson, GA EPD)
Paddling Trip
View a photo gallery of the Spring 2004 paddling trip on the river.
Students
|
Name |
School |
| Don Christy |
Ecology |
| H. Joseph Colette |
Law |
| Oliver Drose |
Law |
| Sarah Gaines |
Ecology |
| Gabrielle Graeter |
Ecology |
| Krista Gridley |
SED |
| Andrew Hunt |
Ecology |
| Eric Jenkins |
Forestry |
| Aharon Junkins |
Law |
| Shannon McGhee |
Law |
| Maureen McGowan |
Law |
| Jennifer McStotts |
Law |
| Billy Merck |
Law |
| Nicola Pasquarelli |
Ecology |
| Odin Stephens |
Forestry |
| Terry Valentine |
Forestry |
| Katie Willcox |
Law |
| Erica Wright |
Law |
Faculty and Staff
|
