BIO 111 L Environmental Science Laboratory Field Trips
Guidelines (AKA Rules)	Getting there from here.

Field trips will mostly be taken during the regular laboratory period. Barring major traffic congestion we generally have no difficulty returning to campus by the scheduled end of the laboratory period. Since car pooling is the norm, students worried about making a later class may drive to the site themselves and return when they deem it necessary.

Some trips are taken on a Friday or Saturday in order to allow more time, or to meet the needs of the sites visited. For example the trips to the Jemez Mountains and the Bosque del Apache are done as all-day trips on Friday or Saturday to allow for travel and enjoyment. The trip to the Sewage Treatment Plant [actually the Wastewater Reclamation Facility] is done on a Friday to meet the needs of plant personnel.

Many trips require moderate to strenuous hiking or other activities. These can be enjoyable to those prepared. Proper attire, footgear and food and water, as well as a moderate level of conditioning, are absolute essentials.

[See Field Trip Policies and Disclaimer for more info]

Field trip time is filled with activities such as water testing, habitat assessment, identification of plants and animals (or their sign), along with some plain relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors. The unexpected can occur anytime, such as this invasion of our water testing site on the banks of the East Fork by a wrangler and his cattle. The Jemez East Fork is just a stone's throw, literally, from the Baca property which is being considered for purchase by the federal government for inclusion in the Jemez Recreation Area.

Students will usually work in groups with the opportunity to get to know fellow students and benefit from a diversity of experiences and opinions. In this setting interaction with the instructor is also possible in a way not often enjoyed in other classes.

Rules and Regulations

1) We meet in the laboratory before leaving for the field. If you live near the site you may wish to meet us there, however you will miss last-minute instructions, including changes of plans or even cancellations. Please do not expect the instructor to call you with information about last minute changes. On day-long trips the instructor will record information about changes or cancellations the evening before (~10:30 PM) at 224-3595.

2) Be on time! We will leave soon after the lab begins. This means for labs which begin at 2:30 PM , we will depart for the field trip site by 2:40.

3) Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Check the syllabus to see what the lab schedule for that day is. Check the weather reports to see what the weather is expected to be. For most field trips sandals and open shoes are inappropriate, as are shoes with other than flat heels. Most field trips require hiking or walking shoes or boots. Many trips will be cool (or cold) and windy. Dress appropriately.

4) Bring water & sunscreen when we go to the sand dunes, the bosque, the sewer plant and the composting facilities. Bring a jacket when we go to the mountains. Watch the weather forecast for what is anticipated.

You Can Get There From Here.

Maps to each location are found in the specific field trip pages. From TVI take the following routes to the major access roads: