Natural Science 0122 - Sustainable Landscaping Pract

Combining ideas, principles, and practices from horticulture, ecology and landscape design, we will develop and implement a sustainable landscape plan for part of the Hampshire College campus. We will first visit and come to understand several different natural plant communities in the Pioneer Valley and learn about native plants in the landscape from experts at Nasami Farm. We will learn how to identify herbs, vines, perennials, shrubs and trees, and how to place them with regard to soil, water, nutrients and canopy structure. We will then map an area, identify invasive species to be suppressed, and design a multi-storied sustainable plan incorporating both human and ecological design goals such as interesting flowers, colors, improved sight lines, and incorportion of edible species. Writing for the course will include a site inventory and an analysis of plant environment and dynamics, as well as a documented plan. Students will be expected to put in hours outside of class time improving and maintaining our site. NS 322 students will supervise design and action teams of NS 122 students.

Physical and Biological Sciences Independent Work Quantitative Skills In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.