Ann Arbor Times

Students at Eastern Michigan University are participating in a unique summer field course that takes them out of the traditional classroom and into Michigan's diverse ecosystems. The Plant Communities of Michigan course, led by Lecturer Jennifer Harper, combines lectures with hands-on fieldwork at the University of Michigan Biological Station and EMU’s Fish Lake site.

“This is a very field-immersive course,” Harper stated. “Students take ownership of a community, prepare reports on what they expect to see, and then evaluate how closely their field notes match those expectations. It’s about engaging with natural communities that are as undisturbed as possible.”

Senior student Colton Lewallen from Brighton, Michigan, described the experience as transformative. “Most students don’t get this level of hands-on fieldwork,” he noted. Lewallen is also completing an internship with the U.S. Department of Interior studying larval fish and said the class reinforced his interest in outdoor work in fisheries and ecological research.

The course includes students from biology and environmental science majors, with graduate students contributing to discussions. Participants have studied unique plant species such as carnivorous sundews and examined marl deposits in wetlands.

“This has been one of the most beneficial classes I’ve taken in college,” Lewallen added.

Eastern Michigan University emphasizes immersive learning to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for future careers.

For more information about EMU’s biology and environmental science programs, visit emich.edu/biology.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University serves nearly 13,000 students across various disciplines. It offers over 300 majors, minors, and concentrations through its colleges. EMU is recognized for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education.