Natural History of the Desert Southwest

This page is under construction. Last modified 06/20/02.

Instructors:  Steven Goldsmith, MS 314, ext 2204, sgoldsmith@austincollege.edu
Visit Dr. Goldsmith's home page

Wayne Meyer, MS 312, ext 2254, wmeyer@austincollege.edu

Sandy Beach, MS 315, ext 2348,  sbeach@austincollege.edu

Course Content: This course is a detailed and first-hand experience with the biota, topography, geology, geography, and cultural history of the desert Southwest. The primary activity for the course is a 21 day field trip to several locations in the Southwest (see itinerary below). We will spend the first two days of JanTerm in preparation for the trip, then spend the last few days in debriefing and decompressing. The lessons on natural history will be supplemented by informal "lessons" on living in the wild, hiking rough country, and traveling cross-country. Each student will keep a field notebook (described below) where observations and interpretations will be recorded.

Sources of Information: The primary source of information will be your own observations of the natural history of the desert. We will primarily concerned with observations and interpretations of the ways the organisms of the southwest make their living, and how they came to be what and where they are. There are two required textbooks: The National Audubon Society's Nature Guide to Deserts (by James MacMahon) and the National Geographic Society's Field Guide to the Birds of North America. The Deserts guide provides much background information about desert habitats in general and about the plants and plant communities. The bird guide is required because we will be able to locate and observe birds more readily than other animal groups, and because the places we will visit are occupied by species that are rare elsewhere in the US. There is also a requirement of reading from a selection of environmental or biological books (not textbooks) such as Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle or On the Origin of Species, Leopold's Sand County Almanac, Abbey's Desert Solitaire, Wilson's Diversity of Life or Naturalist, Tinbergen's Curious Naturalists, or Alcock's Sonoran Desert Spring or Sonoran Desert Summer. Almost any other book of this sort that interests you would be acceptable.

Field notebooks: You will record activities, observations, and impressions in a field notebook. The format of the field notebook varies greatly among field biologists, and takes on different forms in different specializations within field biology. Traditionally, the field notebook consists of three sections: the log, the species accounts, and the journal. Most biologists keep field notes in a loose-leaf notebook (5.5" x 7.5" or 6" x 9") with the three sections separated. In this course, loose-leaf binders are mandatory -- they allow you to rearrange your species accounts to keep them in proper taxonomic order, and to add new ones as you make more observations. It is useful to have pockets in your notebook to keep things like maps or directions to field sites, pens and pencils, rulers, conversion tables, receipts, etc. Notebook binders, dividers, and paper are available in the AC Bookstore and in other places around town.
 

• The log is where you record all of the practical information about your field trip: where you went (and how you got there), when you were there, what the weather was like (temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, etc.), and what you did (details of hiking trails, sites visited and specific localities, etc.). Each page or entry of the log should be dated (and numbered if you wish). The log should also contain information about the characteristics of the particular locality you visited, which will vary depending on what kind of a place it was. For terrestrial habitats, important information about locality includes topography (mountain, plain, arroyo, river bottom, bajada, talus slope, etc.), vegetation [general description of the plant assemblage (e.g. "lowland Chihuahuan desert") as well as information about dominant species (e.g. "creosote bush and yucca")], and substrate type (nature of the soil and rocks -- we will learn about this as we go). Information about elevation, exposure, availability of water, and other aspects of the physical environment should be recorded because they have important influences on the plant and animal communities. For aquatic habitats (of which we will encounter few), the important primary information about locality is "type" (stream, pond, river, lake, oxbow, slough, etc.). Within major types there are many subcategories. Width, depth, flow rate, turbidity, substrate type, presence and abundance of macrophytes, and nature of nearby terrestrial vegetation are all important environmental characteristics of aquatic habitats. In this course, it will also be useful to include in your log impressions about degree of disturbance by human activity.

• The species accounts include all observations and information on particular types of organisms. The tradition in field biology, especially in vertebrate field biology, is to make an entry in the field notebook each time you observe an individual of a particular species. Over time, with successive observations, a picture of the "autecology", "synecology", and social behavior of each species develops in your notebook. Your species accounts should include descriptions and drawings of the animals and plants you encounter (and of their distinguishing characteristics), so that you can recognize them again and make more complete accounts. In addition to morphological descriptions, your accounts should include information about microhabitat (where specifically within the larger habitat was this organism found?), population or social group size, interspecific and intraspecific interactions, and behaviors such as locomotion and movement patterns, communication behaviors, foraging and preferred foods, and predator avoidance. The species accounts should make reference to the log so that you know where and when you found a certain creature. Some of our accounts will be "community accounts" rather than species accounts, because we will be interested in the composition and structure of plant and animal communities of particular habitats. These accounts will contain descriptions of the general type of plant community (creosote flat, spruce/fir forest, etc.), and will include information about species diversity and the dominant species of the community.

• The journal is a place to record your interpretations of the events of the day, and reflections on past events re-interpreted with new knowledge. It is a place for the development of scientific knowledge and ideas (i.e., "Today I saw...  This might be important because..."). It is common to have some intuition about what is happening in a particular situation, but for the intuition to be vague or incomplete. My personal preference for journal entries is to consider the organisms and communities that I encounter from an evolutionary perspective (as Dobzhansky put it, "in biology nothing makes sense except in the light of evolution"). Your journal should include a developing discussion of a) the adaptive syndrome of particular species that we encounter, b) the ecological relationships between species that we observe, and c) the composition and structure of ecological communities that we observe. The journal develops over time with the species accounts and the log, as the latter two sections include more and more information about localities and organisms. The field notebooks of some field biologists develop into important scientific works, such as Henry Fitch's Reproductive Cycles in Lizards and Snakes. The journal is also a place to record your impressions of cultural and historical observations, your observations of and feelings about your classmates, and your thoughts and feelings about life in general,.

Grades: Grading in this course is S/U, and is based on the quality of your field notebook entries. We expect thorough, accurate, and legible records of your observations. We will record many observations as a group, so that you learn to be observant, and so that you learn what should be included in your entries. We will discuss and share our interpretations and impressions, but your journal should reflect your own ideas and biases. Your field notebook is your own record of the trip. It will be a permanent record of what you saw and what you did - it will only be as good as you make it. We will collect and evaluate your notebooks periodically during the trip, and will give you constructive feedback on your records. We will not make any marks in your notebook, and anything that you write will be held in strict confidence.

Important considerations:

• A few necessary (but hopefully unnecessary) words about personal conduct: We are all in this together. Each member of our crew must conduct himself or herself in a manner that will make this a positive experience for all involved. When we are in the field, everyone needs to be attentive and observant, and to stay on task. This can be difficult when we are tired, sore, and crabby. We expect mature, cordial, and professional interaction, for everyone to pull his or her weight, and for you to work diligently on your readings and notebooks. Everyone must be ready to leave at our scheduled departure times. We have leisure time built into the itinerary, and from past experience, you will need it.

• Because the Southwest is both mountainous and dry, the terrain is rugged. Many places that are biologically interesting are not accessible by motorized vehicle. Therefore we must walk, and some of our walks will be both long and steep. We should all be physically prepared for this type of activity. The best preparation is walking, but not just around the campus or the mall. Walking on some relatively steep and rugged terrain is better because this is the sort of ground we will be covering. You should carry a backpack containing some heavy objects during your preparations, because you will be carrying the same thing on our walks. This should be the backpack you will carry in the field, so that you are used to the feel and the weight. It is a good idea to wear your hiking boots during your preparations, especially if they are relatively new.

• The Biology Department usually sponsors a "weekend field trip" during the fall semester, typically in October. Any student who is signed up for this January Term course is encouraged to participate in the weekend field trip. This will give you a preview of things to come, because we will be using the same vehicles and gear for the January Term. It will also give you some impression of how we do things in the field and in camp.

• Sometime after JanTerm registration, but before the end of the fall term (probably late October or early November), there will be a warm-up hike of five miles or so, probably at the Cross Timbers trail along the south side of Lake Texoma. We will plan this for a mutually agreeable Saturday or Sunday. This will be an opportunity for us to test our gear and our conditioning, and to get an idea of what we need to carry on this type of short day-hike. The College will provide transportation and we will provide some goodies.

• It is to be hoped that weather conditions will be fairly benign. In my experience, the days are warm (70s F) and the nights are cold (down into the teens and 20s F). There is always the potential for rain, and even for severe winter weather (bitter cold, snow, ice, strong winds). Plan to bring a variety of types of clothing, including shorts and light shirts for hiking, and warm clothing (wool, polarfleece) that can be worn in layers. A windbreaker or shell of some type is essential, as is raingear. See below for additional recommendations about clothing.

• Photography is a good way to record both organisms you observe and places you visit.  35mm SLR cameras that are mostly manual but that have an internal light meter and automatic shutter speed control work well for most applications. Disposable cameras and standard "point and shoot" 35mm cameras are not versatile enough for any serious photography. Some of the new autofocus cameras are very good, but are also very expensive. A good possibility is something like the Minolta XG-1 (Canon and Olympus both make equivalent models), which is a partially automatic body that can accept a variety of lenses. This type of camera is relatively inexpensive (they can be obtained used at camera shops or pawn shops), and is both reliable and rugged. Try to get the best quality lenses that you can, because this is the most important part of good photography.

• Although we will be on the road for 21 days, it will be necessary for us to pack light. If the course fills, we will be a group of 18 in two 15 passenger vans, with a cargo trailer for gear. This means we have limited space. You should bring essential items, which are listed below. When packing, be aware that there will be opportunities for doing laundry during the trip. There are things that we might use daily in civilization that will not be needed on the trip. When packing, remember that there are times when you will have to carry your gear. Pack your clothing in a duffel bag (maybe two small ones rather than one large one), not a large hard-shell suitcase. This will facilitate packing our gear into the trailer and vans.

• One of the most important parts of a successful field trip is being well-fed. We will strive to feed you well with foods that are simple to prepare, but that are flavorful, nutritious, and interesting. Because we will generally be away from our camp most of the day, our main meal will be in the evening. Breakfast will normally consist of fruits and breads (e.g. bananas, oranges, bagels, English muffins, toast, etc.) with occasional sausage, bacon, eggs, or grits (when we have time and the motivation to prepare these). Lunch will usually consist of sandwiches and other "trail food", including fruit, nuts, cheeses, crackers, chips, etc. Some days we may have leftovers for lunch. Dinners will often consist of "pot" foods, such as soups and spaghetti, but other dishes are on the menu as well, including fajitas (with fresh tortillas, rice, and beans), stir fry, and seafood. If we are all carnivores, we might consider hamburgers, grilled chicken, steak, etc. Finally, dessert is an important component; we will make some things in advance (cookies), and others can be prepared in the field (scotcharoos, smores).

• The fees for this course cover transportation, lodging (both motels and campground fees), and meals while we are camping. The additional "out-of-pocket" expenses are primarily meals while we are driving, but also include the cost of the field guides and field notebook. Use your own judgment about how much you will need for meals on the road -- I figured $5 per meal for 14 meals. Some (maybe all) of the hotels have free Continental breakfast. You should plan for any additional expenses you might incur that I have not included, such as shopping in Tucson, buying souvenirs or books at park gift shops, etc.

Things you must bring:

sleeping bag -- you will need one that is comfortable to at least 20oF; consider bringing a spare blanket as well

ground pad -- this is critical for comfortable sleeping, which is critical for an enjoyable trip. Self-inflating ones like those made by Thermarest are the best choice

pillow that is firm enough to give good support

good hiking boots with adequate ankle support, and that fit well. Plan on a break-in period before the trip.

good hiking socks -- at least 3 pairs of Thorlos or something equivalent, designed for hiking, and which are made with acrylic and wool

appropriate clothing -- be prepared for both warm and cold conditions.  Hiking can usually be done in shorts and a light shirt, but long pants and warm clothes are necessary for night time. Convertible pants are a desirable item. Your clothing should include things like flannel shirts, wool sweaters, polarfleece garments, and polyester or cotton long underwear, with a windbreaker or other shell to cover the layers below. It really is better to layer your warm clothing, both because you stay warmer that way and because your clothing is more versatile. On some hikes you will want to bring something warm in case of cool weather at high elevations.  Nights are potentially uncomfortably cold unless you are prepared.

rain gear that is lightweight and durable, not an umbrella nor a plastic disposable poncho

backpack -- a day-pack that is both comfortable and sturdy

field notebook (described above), pens for writing, and pencils for drawing

tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes for when we are not hiking

mittens or gloves for warmth

hat -- you may exercise your own preference here, but you will need something that protects your head from sun and rain, and one that is warm.

bottles for water while hiking -- you will need at least 2 liters for short hikes, and 3 or 4 for all-day hikes

insulated mug with your name on it (or that is recognizable in some way)

pocket knife (which goes in your field bag)

bathing suit (some of the hotels have pools and hot tubs, and there is a hot spring in Big Bend)

towel and washcloth -- some campgrounds have showers, and all will have bathrooms with running water for washing

flashlight with extra batteries; a headlamp is useful for working in the dark, which we will do occasionally

sunglasses

personal toiletry items including any prescription medicines. You should bring copies of essential prescriptions, including those for eyeglasses (if necessary).

passport or copy of birth certificate plus a picture ID for travel into Mexico

Things you should bring:

camera with plenty of film and extra batteries

spare glasses or contact lenses

sunscreen

plastic bags/mesh bag for dirty clothes

reading material for time in the vehicle (in addition to required reading material described above)

food knife (for cutting fruits, vegetables, meats)

field guides for mammals, herps, etc.

tent if you have one

playing cards
 
 

Itinerary:

Fri Jan 3:   Logistic and academic preparation: meet at 9:00 in MS 301; field trip to Denison Dam

Sat Jan 4:   Logistic and academic preparation: meet at 9:00 in MS 301; load trailer

Sun Jan 5:  Depart campus at 8:00, drive to Fort Stockton, TX; this is about a 9 hour drive.

Lodging is at La Quinta Inn (phone: 915-336-9781; fax: 915-336-3634).

Mon Jan 6:  Depart Ft. Stockton at 9:00 am, drive to Big Bend National Park; this is about a 3 hr drive

Set up camp at Rio Grande Village
Nature walk along Rio Grande, tour of Boquillas Canyon (about 4 miles round trip with minimal elevation change);
batwatching in the evening

this is about a 5 mile round trip with approximately 1000 ft elevation change (both ways)

Wed Jan 8:   Tour western part of Big Bend for birding, botanizing, and geologizing:

Sotol Vista, Castolon, Tuff Canyon, Cottonwood campground, Santa Elena Canyon
we will depart the campground at 8:30 and return by 5:00;
howling for coyotes in the evening

Depart campground at 7:30 for this hike of approximately 15 mile round trip, with change in elevation of approximately 2200 ft; plan on a 8-9 hr walk
we will be at the trailhead by 9:00 and should return by 6:00

Sat Jan 11:  Birding in the morning, tidying up our camp and beginning to pack in the afternoon

Sun Jan 12:  Break camp early, drive to Las Cruces NM; we need to leave by 9:00

Lodging is at La Quinta Inn (phone: 505-524-0331, fax: 505-525-8360)
This is about a 9 hour drive, but there may be time for laundry after we arrive

Grocery shopping and laundry in the morning before departure;
Hike short trails near campground for birding and botanizing, visit Visitor Center

this is a 10 mile round trip with elevation change of about 500 ft

Depart campground at 8:00, return by 5:00

lodging is at La Quinta on Speedway (phone: 520-622-6491, fax: 520-798-3669
This is about a 2 hour drive; the rest of the day is for laundry, resting, working on field notebooks

This is a driving tour with elevation change of about 6700 ft; the summit of Mt. Lemmon is usually snow-covered this time of year, so bring appropriate clothing.

Depart lodging at 8:00, return by 5:00

Grocery shopping and laundry in the morning; depart at 10:00
set up camp; hike short nature trails near Visitor Center

this is a 5 mile hike with elevation change of 800 ft.
(only gauchos with huevos muy grande go to Bull Pasture)

birding and botanizing as well as shopping and sight-seeing

birding and botanizing at Quitobaquito Springs, Senita campground

Fri Jan 24: Depart Las Cruces, stop at White Sands National Monument, then on the Lubbock;

lodging is at La Quinta Inn (phone: 806-792-0065, fax: 806-792-0178)

Sun Jan 26: Collapse

Mon Jan 27: Debriefing; final version of field notebooks due. Meet at 10:00 in MS 301.

Tues Jan 28: JanTerm ends