FNRM 4501 / 5501
Urban Forest Management: Managing Greenspaces for People
Spring Semester, 3-credits
Instructor: Dr. Eric North
Office: 330E Green Hall
Phone: 612-624-2202
Email: nort0105@umn.edu
Office hours via Zoom:
Room: 203 Green Hall
RESOURCES
Required Text: none, required readings will be delivered via Canvas
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course you will be able to:
GRADING & ASSIGNMENTS
Grading:
This course uses a weighted grading system. The weight of assignment or category is listed below. The +/‐ system will be used in determining final grades. Your final letter grade will be evaluated based on the requirements listed below with all percentages rounded up to the nearest whole percent:
Assignments & Weights
Assignments:
There are no exams. However, there are a series of in-class or online activities and assignments based on assigned readings and lecture materials.
Things happen. If you cannot attend class for any reason please notify me via email as soon as you know the date(s) you will miss class. Should an emergency arise, please notify as soon as practical so we can work together to on how to address any missed assignments or material.
Due dates are set to keep you on track for learning throughout the semester. Late assignments will be accepted until all of the on-time assignments have been graded. Any assignments turned in after all of the on-time assignments have been graded will not receive credit. Extra Credit: There is NO extra-credit in this course.
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom conduct:
Students come from a variety of backgrounds and everyone (including the instructor) is expected to be respectful and polite.
Technology:
No Cell Phone Use in Class. Texting and/or internet use, will result in failure of any class quiz or activity for that day or the next time there is a graded class activity. Tablets & Laptops are discouraged, but may be used only for note taking.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Coronavirus Information
Face Coverings Protocol:
All University of Minnesota faculty, staff, students, and visitors (including contractors, service providers, vendors, and suppliers) are required to use a face covering to cover both the nose and mouth at all times when in any enclosed or indoor space on University campuses and properties (including leased facilities).
This directive applies to all University campuses and all properties within the University’s Real Estate Inventory and University transportation services. Enclosed spaces include covered walkways and transit shelters and skyways and tunnels and include spaces even where exterior doorways or windows are open.
Face coverings are also required in outdoor settings on the University campuses if safe physical distancing and gathering practices are not being observed. Where safe physical distancing and gathering practices are being observed, face coverings are strongly encouraged but not required. Face coverings are also strongly encouraged when conducting any University business regardless of location (e.g., off-site travel or training). This directive shall remain in effect until further notice.
The University expects the University community to behave responsibly with respect for the health and safety of others. Any employee, student, or visitor who fails to abide with this directive may be asked or directed to leave the campus space. Faculty, staff, and students who are directed to leave a campus space for failure to comply with these guidelines may be taken off duty and/or subject to disciplinary action. Employees and students should not attempt to directly enforce this directive but instead should share any concerns of suspected violations with their immediate supervisor or appropriate school official.
More information about face coverings, including rationale for the policy, what constitutes a face covering, and requesting accommodations is available on the UMN Face Protocols website.
Students who have symptoms or have been potentially exposed to COVID:
Students having symptoms or have notified of exposure are advised to consult with Boynton Nurse Line at 612-625-3222 (answered 24/7), which will provide guidance on how to access a COVID-19 test. Tests are recommended for all close contacts of known cases. More information can be found on the Guidance on Student Positive Cases website.
Students who have been advised to isolate or quarantine:
If a student must isolate or quarantine, instructors and staff should arrange accommodations for class participation (regardless of modality), as guided by UMN policy. for legitimate absences due to illness. (Refer to the policy and related FAQs. for guidance). A student in isolation or quarantine should not be referred to the Disability Resource Center (DRC), but any preexisting accommodations requested via the DRC should continue to be provided.
Student Workload Expectations
The University seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity, that is protective of free inquiry, and that serves the educational mission of the University. Similarly, the University seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, and intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University; and that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the University community.
As a student at the University you are expected to adhere to Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code.
Note that the conduct code specifically addresses disruptive classroom conduct, which means "engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach and/or a student’s ability to learn.” The classroom extends to any setting where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit or satisfaction of program-based requirements or related activities.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom
Using personal electronic devices in the classroom setting can hinder instruction and learning, not only for the student using the device but also for other students in the class. To this end, the University establishes the right of each instructor to determine if and how personal electronic devices are allowed to be used in the classroom. University of Minnesota Policy.
Personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, things not yet invented, etc.) are not allowed during in-person (including Zoom) course sessions. Use of personal electronic devices during class will result in failure for that day’s activity. If you have or need accommodation to use an electronic device in class to aid in your learning, please discuss your need with me.
Scholastic Dishonesty
You are expected to do your own academic work and cite sources, as necessary. Failing to do so is scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; altering, forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying data, research procedures, or data analysis. (Student Conduct Code). If it is determined that a student has cheated, the student may be given an "F" or an "N" for the course, and may face additional sanctions from the University. University of Minnesota Policy.
The Office for Community Standards has compiled a useful list of Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to scholastic dishonesty. If you have additional questions, please clarify with your instructor for the course. Your instructor can respond to your specific questions regarding what would constitute scholastic dishonesty in the context of a particular class, e.g., whether collaboration on assignments is permitted, requirements and methods for citing sources, if electronic aids are permitted or prohibited during an exam.
Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences
Students will not be penalized for absence during the semester due to unavoidable or legitimate circumstances. Such circumstances include verified illness, participation in intercollegiate athletic events, subpoenas, jury duty, military service, bereavement, and religious observances. Such circumstances do not include voting in local, state, or national elections. The complete makeup work policy.
Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials
Taking notes is a means of recording information but more importantly of personally absorbing and integrating the educational experience. However, broadly disseminating class notes beyond the classroom community or accepting compensation for taking and distributing classroom notes undermines instructor interests in their intellectual work product while not substantially furthering instructor and student interests in effective learning. Such actions violate shared norms and standards of the academic community. For additional information, please see: https://policy.umn.edu/education/studentresp.
University Grading Scales
The University has two distinct grading scales: A-F and S-N.
A-F grading scale. The A-F grading scale grades and corresponding GPA points.
Sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence
The University prohibits sexual misconduct, and encourages anyone experiencing sexual misconduct to access resources for personal support and reporting. If you want to speak confidentially with someone about an experience of sexual misconduct, please contact your campus resources including the Aurora Center, Boynton Mental Health or Student Counseling Services. If you want to report sexual misconduct or have questions about the University’s policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct, please contact your campus Title IX office or relevant policy contacts.
Instructors are required to share information they learn about possible sexual misconduct with the campus Title IX office that addresses these concerns. This allows a Title IX staff member to reach out to those who have experienced sexual misconduct to provide information about personal support resources and options for investigation. You may talk to instructors about concerns related to sexual misconduct, and they will provide support and keep the information you share private to the extent possible given their University role.
Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action
The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information, please consult Board of Regents Policy.
Disability Accommodations
The University views disability as an important aspect of diversity and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area such as, mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UM Twin Cities - 626.1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
Students with short-term disabilities, such as a broken arm, can often work with instructors to minimize classroom barriers. In situations where additional assistance is needed, students should contact the DRC as noted above.
If you are registered with the DRC and have a disability accommodation letter dated for this semester or this year, please contact your instructor early in the semester to review how the accommodations will be applied in the course.
If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations please contact your (access consultant/disability specialist, drc@umn.edu).
Mental Health and Stress Management
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance and may reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. University services are available to assist you. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the Student Mental Health Website.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility: for courses that do not involve students in research
Academic freedom is a cornerstone of the University. Within the scope and content of the course as defined by the instructor, it includes the freedom to discuss relevant matters in the classroom. Along with this freedom comes responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. Students are free to take reasoned exception to the views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.*
Reports of concerns about academic freedom are taken seriously, and there are individuals and offices available for help. Contact the instructor, the Department Chair, your adviser, the associate dean of the college, or the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost. [Customize with names and contact information as appropriate for the course/college/campus.]
* Language adapted from the American Association of University Professors "Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students".
Urban Forest Management: Managing Greenspaces for People
Spring Semester, 3-credits
Instructor: Dr. Eric North
Office: 330E Green Hall
Phone: 612-624-2202
Email: nort0105@umn.edu
Office hours via Zoom:
- Mondays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- or email for an appointment at a different time
Room: 203 Green Hall
RESOURCES
Required Text: none, required readings will be delivered via Canvas
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Identify key elements of green space and urban forest master plans
- Understand the benefits and disservices of trees in human dominated environments
- Collect and analyze urban forest inventory data to better understand plant diversity
- Prepare detailed green space and urban forest management plans to meet a wide range of community objectives
- Evaluate common practices and literature in urban natural resources on the basis of their scientific merit
GRADING & ASSIGNMENTS
Grading:
This course uses a weighted grading system. The weight of assignment or category is listed below. The +/‐ system will be used in determining final grades. Your final letter grade will be evaluated based on the requirements listed below with all percentages rounded up to the nearest whole percent:
Assignments & Weights
- Activities & quizzes 20%
- Article reviews 15%
- Inventory & site analysis 25%
- Final Project 40%
- A ≥ 93%
- A- 90-92%
- B+ 87-89%
- B 83-86%
- B- 80-82%
- C+ 77-79%
- C 71-76%
- C- 70%
- D 60-69%
- F < 60%
Assignments:
There are no exams. However, there are a series of in-class or online activities and assignments based on assigned readings and lecture materials.
- Activities & quizzes – There will be frequent unannounced class activities (in other words come to class and participate). Quizzes will be delivered both online and in class covering material from assigned readings and lecture discussions.
- Trees in the News - once during the semester you will briefly present a recent (from 2020 / 2021) news article (reputable sources only - no Facebook/Pinterest, etc.) on trees/forest/green spaces at the beginning of class.
- The in-class activities and quizzes are graded and cannot be made-up (except for a University approved absence). The lowest grade in this category will be automatically dropped.
- Article review – You will be required to read, critically review, and briefly present 3 scientific articles on the topic of urban forestry / green spaces.
- Inventory & site analysis – You will be given an area to inventory green space amenities (including trees). After inventorying the area, you will create report including your analysis and proposal for enhancing or maintaining the site. Format guidelines for the report will be provided in class. Graduate students will be required to perform basic statistical analysis as well as create and deliver a presentation of your analysis results.
- Final project – Each year the course works with a partner community to address issues in urban forestry and green space management - the project spans the entire semester. The community is your client and will direct the specifics deliverables and objectives. The final project products will consist of a: Written Report, Web page, and Presentations to the community. The final project will also consist of drafts of the report due throughout the semester. Graduate students will be required to provide leadership for the final project.
Things happen. If you cannot attend class for any reason please notify me via email as soon as you know the date(s) you will miss class. Should an emergency arise, please notify as soon as practical so we can work together to on how to address any missed assignments or material.
Due dates are set to keep you on track for learning throughout the semester. Late assignments will be accepted until all of the on-time assignments have been graded. Any assignments turned in after all of the on-time assignments have been graded will not receive credit. Extra Credit: There is NO extra-credit in this course.
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom conduct:
Students come from a variety of backgrounds and everyone (including the instructor) is expected to be respectful and polite.
Technology:
No Cell Phone Use in Class. Texting and/or internet use, will result in failure of any class quiz or activity for that day or the next time there is a graded class activity. Tablets & Laptops are discouraged, but may be used only for note taking.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Coronavirus Information
Face Coverings Protocol:
All University of Minnesota faculty, staff, students, and visitors (including contractors, service providers, vendors, and suppliers) are required to use a face covering to cover both the nose and mouth at all times when in any enclosed or indoor space on University campuses and properties (including leased facilities).
This directive applies to all University campuses and all properties within the University’s Real Estate Inventory and University transportation services. Enclosed spaces include covered walkways and transit shelters and skyways and tunnels and include spaces even where exterior doorways or windows are open.
Face coverings are also required in outdoor settings on the University campuses if safe physical distancing and gathering practices are not being observed. Where safe physical distancing and gathering practices are being observed, face coverings are strongly encouraged but not required. Face coverings are also strongly encouraged when conducting any University business regardless of location (e.g., off-site travel or training). This directive shall remain in effect until further notice.
The University expects the University community to behave responsibly with respect for the health and safety of others. Any employee, student, or visitor who fails to abide with this directive may be asked or directed to leave the campus space. Faculty, staff, and students who are directed to leave a campus space for failure to comply with these guidelines may be taken off duty and/or subject to disciplinary action. Employees and students should not attempt to directly enforce this directive but instead should share any concerns of suspected violations with their immediate supervisor or appropriate school official.
More information about face coverings, including rationale for the policy, what constitutes a face covering, and requesting accommodations is available on the UMN Face Protocols website.
Students who have symptoms or have been potentially exposed to COVID:
Students having symptoms or have notified of exposure are advised to consult with Boynton Nurse Line at 612-625-3222 (answered 24/7), which will provide guidance on how to access a COVID-19 test. Tests are recommended for all close contacts of known cases. More information can be found on the Guidance on Student Positive Cases website.
Students who have been advised to isolate or quarantine:
If a student must isolate or quarantine, instructors and staff should arrange accommodations for class participation (regardless of modality), as guided by UMN policy. for legitimate absences due to illness. (Refer to the policy and related FAQs. for guidance). A student in isolation or quarantine should not be referred to the Disability Resource Center (DRC), but any preexisting accommodations requested via the DRC should continue to be provided.
Student Workload Expectations
- Undergraduate Students. For fall or spring semester, one credit represents, for the average University undergraduate student, three hours of academic work per week (including lectures, laboratories, recitations, discussion groups, field work, study, and so on), averaged over the semester, in order to complete the work of the course to achieve an average grade. One credit equals 42 to 45 hours of work over the course of the semester (1 credit x 3 hours of work per week x 14 or 15 weeks in a semester equals 42 to 45 hours of academic work). Thus, enrollment for 15 credits in a semester represents approximately 45 hours of work per week, on average, over the course of the semester.
- Graduate Students. It is expected that the academic work required of Graduate School and professional school students will exceed three hours per credit per week.
- University Expected Student Academic Work per Credit Policy
The University seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity, that is protective of free inquiry, and that serves the educational mission of the University. Similarly, the University seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, and intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University; and that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the University community.
As a student at the University you are expected to adhere to Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code.
Note that the conduct code specifically addresses disruptive classroom conduct, which means "engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach and/or a student’s ability to learn.” The classroom extends to any setting where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit or satisfaction of program-based requirements or related activities.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom
Using personal electronic devices in the classroom setting can hinder instruction and learning, not only for the student using the device but also for other students in the class. To this end, the University establishes the right of each instructor to determine if and how personal electronic devices are allowed to be used in the classroom. University of Minnesota Policy.
Personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, things not yet invented, etc.) are not allowed during in-person (including Zoom) course sessions. Use of personal electronic devices during class will result in failure for that day’s activity. If you have or need accommodation to use an electronic device in class to aid in your learning, please discuss your need with me.
Scholastic Dishonesty
You are expected to do your own academic work and cite sources, as necessary. Failing to do so is scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; altering, forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying data, research procedures, or data analysis. (Student Conduct Code). If it is determined that a student has cheated, the student may be given an "F" or an "N" for the course, and may face additional sanctions from the University. University of Minnesota Policy.
The Office for Community Standards has compiled a useful list of Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to scholastic dishonesty. If you have additional questions, please clarify with your instructor for the course. Your instructor can respond to your specific questions regarding what would constitute scholastic dishonesty in the context of a particular class, e.g., whether collaboration on assignments is permitted, requirements and methods for citing sources, if electronic aids are permitted or prohibited during an exam.
Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences
Students will not be penalized for absence during the semester due to unavoidable or legitimate circumstances. Such circumstances include verified illness, participation in intercollegiate athletic events, subpoenas, jury duty, military service, bereavement, and religious observances. Such circumstances do not include voting in local, state, or national elections. The complete makeup work policy.
Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials
Taking notes is a means of recording information but more importantly of personally absorbing and integrating the educational experience. However, broadly disseminating class notes beyond the classroom community or accepting compensation for taking and distributing classroom notes undermines instructor interests in their intellectual work product while not substantially furthering instructor and student interests in effective learning. Such actions violate shared norms and standards of the academic community. For additional information, please see: https://policy.umn.edu/education/studentresp.
University Grading Scales
The University has two distinct grading scales: A-F and S-N.
A-F grading scale. The A-F grading scale grades and corresponding GPA points.
Sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence
The University prohibits sexual misconduct, and encourages anyone experiencing sexual misconduct to access resources for personal support and reporting. If you want to speak confidentially with someone about an experience of sexual misconduct, please contact your campus resources including the Aurora Center, Boynton Mental Health or Student Counseling Services. If you want to report sexual misconduct or have questions about the University’s policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct, please contact your campus Title IX office or relevant policy contacts.
Instructors are required to share information they learn about possible sexual misconduct with the campus Title IX office that addresses these concerns. This allows a Title IX staff member to reach out to those who have experienced sexual misconduct to provide information about personal support resources and options for investigation. You may talk to instructors about concerns related to sexual misconduct, and they will provide support and keep the information you share private to the extent possible given their University role.
Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action
The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information, please consult Board of Regents Policy.
Disability Accommodations
The University views disability as an important aspect of diversity and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area such as, mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UM Twin Cities - 626.1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
Students with short-term disabilities, such as a broken arm, can often work with instructors to minimize classroom barriers. In situations where additional assistance is needed, students should contact the DRC as noted above.
If you are registered with the DRC and have a disability accommodation letter dated for this semester or this year, please contact your instructor early in the semester to review how the accommodations will be applied in the course.
If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations please contact your (access consultant/disability specialist, drc@umn.edu).
Mental Health and Stress Management
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance and may reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. University services are available to assist you. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the Student Mental Health Website.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility: for courses that do not involve students in research
Academic freedom is a cornerstone of the University. Within the scope and content of the course as defined by the instructor, it includes the freedom to discuss relevant matters in the classroom. Along with this freedom comes responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. Students are free to take reasoned exception to the views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.*
Reports of concerns about academic freedom are taken seriously, and there are individuals and offices available for help. Contact the instructor, the Department Chair, your adviser, the associate dean of the college, or the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost. [Customize with names and contact information as appropriate for the course/college/campus.]
* Language adapted from the American Association of University Professors "Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students".
