education

Shingle Shanty Preserve and Research Station hosts field courses open to the general public, multi-day college classes, and welcomes educational day trips. If you are interested in pursuing an educational activity at the Preserve, please contact the Steve Langdon at director@shingleshanty.org.

In addition to offering field courses, the Preserve can provide a location for research and educational opportunities for academic institutions that do not have access to their own research forests (e.g. small private universities and community colleges), as well as educational opportunities in field biology.

2021

SUNY Plattsburgh Field Trip

In September 2021, a SUNY Plattsburgh Center for Earth and Environmental Science Forest Ecology class and students from SUNY Plattsburgh’s Expeditionary Studies Program came to SSPRS for an overnight at Thayer Lake and a tour of the property. The goal of that visit was to get students from expeditionary studies to take care of field logistics of research projects designed by the Forest Ecology students. 24 students and two faculty attended.

2018

SUNY Plattsburgh Field Trip

SSPRS hosted a two-day field trip taught by Dr. Mark Lesser from SUNY Plattsburgh on boreal forest ecology and forest encroachment into wetlands. This is the second year of this field trip and Dr. Lesser and Steve Langdon are working collaboratively to develop research efforts that include data collection by Students.

Clarkson University Field Trip

SSPRS Director Steve Langdon taught a 6-week field ecology course for Clarkson University’s Adirondack Semester Program and brought students to SSPRS in October to test protocols for assessing small mammal predation on boreal birds. The class used ‘track tubes’ to quantify small mammal abundance in open and forested bog community types. This was very successful as a field class exercise and we hope to use the information as preliminary data to expand this research to other locations as a collaborative effort with Dr. Michale Glennon at the Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smith’s College.

2017 

Boreal Bird ScienceCorps: Monitoring Adirondack Lowland Boreal Birds with Citizen Scientists

Thanks to a generous grant from the Joseph and Joan Cullman Conservation Foundation and Northern New York Audubon, SSPRS collaborated with SUNY-ESF on a project to evaluate the feasibility of engaging citizen scientists in long-term monitoring of lowland boreal birds in the Adirondacks. Three training sessions for the general public were held, which had a total of 29 participants. In addition, a fourth training session for 10 DEC staffers was held at Camp Colby in Saranac Lake.

SUNY Plattsburgh Field Trip

SSPRS hosted a two-day field trip taught by Dr. Mark Lesser and Stephen Langdon from SUNY Plattsburgh on boreal forest ecology and forest encroachment into wetlands. The field trip brought 16 students to the Preserve, a number of whom were visiting the central Adirondacks for the first time.

Skidmore Undergraduate Research

Research on how mycorrhizal associations affect carbon sequestration by Dr. Kurt Smemo of Skidmore College is being conducted with the assistance of his undergraduate students, giving them the opportunity to visit the Preserve and learn more about SSPRS.

2016

Western University Field Trip   

SSPRS hosted a field trip for 20 students from Western University in London, Ontario who were visiting the Adirondacks for a week. We provided an overview of important wetland and upland ecosystems and methods for assessing vegetation.

SUNY Oneonta Botany Course 

Shingle Shanty hosted a botany course held by SUNY Oneonta with 15 students who visited SSPRS for 3 days (2 overnights). The course was taught by Dr. Sean Robinson who has used SSPRS a number of times for field courses.

The Science and Art of Identifying, Classifying and Naming Plants
Instructors: Andrew Lane Gibson, Field Botanist/Ecologist, Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, and John T. Manion, Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, AL
August 1-5, 2016

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This four-day class will present an overview of these centuries-old processes, which have changed in many ways from ancient times to the present. Gaining an understanding of how plants are identified and named, and the fascinating stories behind many of their names, will have you looking at plants in a different way. Using the distinctive flora of the Adirondacks, we will have abundant opportunities to corroborate the skills we have learned, to identify plants and understand their botanical names – at home and afield."

Fantastic Fungi of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
August 17-20, 2016

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This short course on mycology will introduce the beginner and amateur mushroomer to the intricate world of higher fungi in the Adirondacks. For beginners, this course will introduce basic ecological concepts as well as the major macro-fungi groups. For someone familiar with these basic groups of mushrooms as well as their role in nature, this course will take the learner deeper into the realm of taxonomy by using fresh specimens and diagnostic keys.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has recorded over 1300 mushrooms in New Hampshire, including a number of undescribed species. After studying with Dr. Harry Thiers at San Francisco State University for 2 years, he taught mycology at Antioch New England from 1985 to 2001, and currently teaches mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University."

2015

Fantastic Fungi of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
August 19-22, 2015

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This short course on mycology will introduce the beginner and amateur mushroomer to the intricate world of higher fungi in the Adirondacks. For beginners, this course will introduce basic ecological concepts as well as the major macro-fungi groups. For someone familiar with these basic groups of mushrooms as well as their role in nature, this course will take the learner deeper into the realm of taxonomy by using fresh specimens and diagnostic keys.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has recorded over 1300 mushrooms in New Hampshire, including a number of undescribed species. After studying with Dr. Harry Thiers at San Francisco State University for 2 years, he taught mycology at Antioch New England from 1985 to 2001, and currently teaches mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University."

2014 

Common Wetland and Aquatic Plants of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Michael B. Burgess of SUNY Plattsburgh
August 11-13, 2014

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This course will focus on the identification of common wetland and aquatic plants through field, lab and lecture components. Emphasis will be placed on developing proficiency using technical identificaiton manuals, current nomenclature, and relevant morphological terminology. Ecology and evolution of wetland and aquatic plants will also be discussed.  Lab and lecture time will include microscope work, and provide opportunities for specimen collection.

Michael B. Burgess is a faculty member in the Biological Science Department at SUNY Plattsburgh.  Prior to this appointment, Michael was a research fellow in the Botany Department at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.  Michael received his PhD in Ecology and Environmental Science at the University of Maine, where he studied the systematics and evolution of Amelanchier in the Christopher Campbell Lab.  Prior to to his work on Amelanchier, Michael received a Master of Science in Resource Management and Conservation from Antioch University, New England."

Fantastic Fungi of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
August 20-23, 2014

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This short course on mycology will introduce the beginner and amateur mushroomer to the intricate world of higher fungi in the Adirondacks. For beginners, this course will introduce basic ecological concepts as well as the major macro-fungi groups. For someone familiar with these basic groups of mushrooms as well as their role in nature, this course will take the learner deeper into the realm of taxonomy by using fresh specimens and diagnostic keys.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has recorded over 1300 mushrooms in New Hampshire, including a number of undescribed species. After studying with Dr. Harry Thiers at San Francisco State University for 2 years, he taught mycology at Antioch New England from 1985 to 2001, and currently teaches mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University."

2013 

Bryophyte Biology
Instructor: Dr. Sean Robinson of SUNY-Oneonta
August 12-15, 2013    

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This course will cover field sampling and identification of mosses and liverworts, including macro- and microscopic examination techniques. In addition, other areas of bryophyte biology, including anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution, and ecology will be discussed. Field trips will be taken to a diversity of habitat types from upland forests to wetlands. All supplies including technical keys, hand-lenses, microscopes, etc. will be provided by the instructor."

Fantastic Fungi of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
August 21-24, 2013

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This short course on mycology will introduce the beginner and amateur mushroomer to the intricate world of higher fungi in the Adirondacks. For beginners, this course will introduce basic ecological concepts as well as the major macro-fungi groups. For someone familiar with these basic groups of mushrooms as well as their role in nature, this course will take the learner deeper into the realm of taxonomy by using fresh specimens and diagnostic keys.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has recorded over 1300 mushrooms in New Hampshire, including a number of undescribed species. After studying with Dr. Harry Thiers at San Francisco State University for 2 years, he taught mycology at Antioch New England from 1985 to 2001, and currently teaches mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University."

2012

Adirondack Wetland Plants and Plant Communities
Instructor: Jerry Jenkins
August 6-10, 2012

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "The course will explore the structure, relationships, and identification of about 100 characteristic plants in 5 major wetland communities on the Shingle Shanty Preserve; ecology of dominant species; wetland structure and dynamics; climate change, acid deposition, and other conservation issues affecting wetlands.

Jerry Jenkins is a researcher with the Wildlife Conservation Society that has over 40 years of experience as a field botanist, educator and researcher in the Northern Forest. He has authored and co?authored numerous books, technical reports and field guides including Climate Change in the Adirondacks and The Adirondack Atlas."

Fantastic Fungi of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
August 21-25, 2012

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This short course on mycology will introduce the beginner and amateur mushroomer to the intricate world of higher fungi in the Adirondacks. For beginners, this course will introduce basic ecological concepts as well as the major macro-fungi groups. For someone familiar with these basic groups of mushrooms as well as their role in nature, this course will take the learner deeper into the realm of taxonomy by using fresh specimens and diagnostic keys.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has recorded over 1300 mushrooms in New Hampshire, including a number of undescribed species. After studying with Dr. Harry Thiers at San Francisco State University for 2 years, he taught mycology at Antioch New England from 1985 to 2001, and currently teaches mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University."

2011 

Ecology of Mosses and Liverworts
Instructor: Sean Robinson
June 27th - July 1st, 2011

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This course is an opportunity to learn about a group of plants that are often overlooked, the mosses and liverworts. Bryology  (the study of mosses, liverworts and hornworts) is a fascinating field that reveals much about the importance of ecology from a very small scale to a global scale. The course will consist of field work in different habitats followed by laboratory time with microscopes. 

Sean Robinson is a Lecturer at SUNY Oneonta who specializes in the study of Mosses and Liverworts. He was a Research Fellow at the New York State Museum and is finishing a PhD at SUNY Albany. Sean’s research in the Adirondacks has been focused on the population genetics of species of Sphagnum moss on the Adirondack alpine summits."

Adirondack Wetland Plants and Plant Communities
Instructor: Jerry Jenkins
August 11th - 15th, 2011

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This 5 day field course is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced botanists and researchers in the Northeast, Jerry Jenkins. The course will explore the structure, relationships, and identification of about 100 characteristic plants in 5 major wetland communities on the Shingle Shanty Preserve; ecology of dominant species; wetland structure and dynamics; climate change, acid deposition, and other conservation issues affecting wetlands.
 
Jerry Jenkins is a researcher with the Wildlife Conservation Society that has over 40 years of experience as a field botanist, educator and researcher in the Northern Forest. He has authored and co-authored numerous books, technical reports and field guides including Climate Change in the Adirondacks and The Adirondack Atlas."

Fantastic Fungi of the Adirondacks
Instructor: Rick Van de Poll, Ph.D.
August 16th - 19th, 2011

COURSE DESCRIPTION: "This short course on Mycology will introduce the beginner and amateur mushroomer to the intricate world of higher fungi in the Adirondacks. For beginners, this course will introduce basic ecological concepts as well as the major macro-fungi groups. For someone familiar with these basic groups of mushrooms as well as their role in nature, this course will take the learner deeper into the realm of taxonomy by using fresh specimens and diagnostic keys. Habitat and occurrence information collected by the instructor over the past 30 years will be shared with participants. Recommendations on the best keys to use for particular genera will augment the use of available reference materials. The focus will be on Basidiomycetes, although selected Ascomycetes will be discussed as well. Daily forays will explore the varied habitats of the Shingle Shanty Preserve, and will include the safe collection and (optional) consumption of wild mushrooms.

Baskets and 10x hand lens required.  Please bring your favorite reference guides as well.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. Beginning in the mid-1980’s, his company was one of the first to perform natural resource inventories for the public and private sector of New England. With an emphasis on biodiversity conservation, Dr. Van de Poll has included inventories of fungi among many of his projects. Dr. Van de Poll has completed field-based biological inventories on over 150,000 acres of land, most of which included floristic analyses of fungi. He has recorded over 1300 mushrooms in New Hampshire, including a number of undescribed species. After studying with Dr. Harry Thiers at San Francisco State University for 2 years, he taught Mycology at Antioch New England from 1985 to 2001, and currently teaches Mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University. As an instructor, Rick has presented dozens of walks and workshops throughout New England. He co-founded the Monadnock Mushroom Club in SE NH in 1988, and founded the local Sandwich (NH) Area Mushroom (SAM) Club in 2001. "