Geography of Oregon

Previous Trips

2006 Field Trip

2005 Field Trip

2004 Field Trip

2003 Field Trip (by Colin Cooper)

Syllabus for Fall 2006(download as Word doc)

GEO 434/534 is designed to introduce the students to the widest possible range of topics on all aspects of Oregon geography within a limited time, then turn that experience into a viable research proposal. While physical processes are the primary topic, resource and environmental effects are stressed. Travel is by university vans and costs are shared among the participants (normally around $100 per person for food and incidentals, in addition to the $150 class fee for vans, gas, and camping fees). Grading is based on positive participation, a field notebook, and a subsequent research work plan.

Participants in the course are reminded to pack lightly. Although we will operate in a wide variety of natural environments, each person should learn to accommodate the field situation on minimal equipment. We travel by van and foot, and tent camp each night. Temperatures can range from 20-100 degrees F, so pack to dress in layers and be prepared for cold and wet, as well as warm.

Use a pack, duffel, or laundry bag – no suitcases please. If you have a small light-weight tent please bring it along. The department will furnish ice chests, stoves, lanterns and water cans for group use. It is wise to pack staple foodstuffs at home and carry them along - we will make occasional stops at grocery stores to add some fresh food to our diet, where circumstances permit.

The text is: Jackson, P. & A. Kimerling (eds). 2003. Atlas of the Pacific Northwest. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press, 9 th edition. Available from the OSU bookstore.

We will meet five times during the fall quarter to develop and present a research proposal based on a topic related to the course.

A basic check list should include the following:

• 2 pr. jeans, or light weight slacks
• 2 short sleeved shirt
• 2 long sleeved shirt
• 1 pr. sturdy boots or field shoes
• 1 pr. light shoes or gym shoes
• a hat for shade, sunglasses
• scarf, gloves
• underwear (incl. thermal) and socks
• 1 sweatshirt or light jacket
• 1 heavy, waterproof jacket
• towel, washcloth, toiletries (remember your deodorant, sun
  screen and bug repellant)
• spoon, fork, knife, cup, plate, small pot
• 1 'Rite-in-the-rain' field notebook and pen/pencil
• 1 flashlight or headlamp, pocket knife, matches, binoculars
  (rec.), camera (rec.)
• 1 warm sleeping bag, w/air mattress or pad
• 1 pr. shorts and bathing suit
• Thermos for coffee or tea during the day (if you need during the day)
• do not bring alcohol or recreational drugs.
  

In addition, each “food group” of five (to be organized at the pre-trip meeting), should have:

• cooking utensils/pots & pans
• Purell hand-sanitizer
• toilet paper, paper towels
• matches/lighters, ice
• dish soap/cleaning sponge
• food for 2-3 days

Please attend our pre-field trip meeting on Wednesday, September 13, at 12:00 noon in the Geosciences Department (Wilkinson 207). We will leave for the week-long trip from the front of Wilkinson Hall at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 14. We will return to Corvallis on Wednesday afternoon, September 20, so the new Geography grad students will be back in time for the Geosciences Department mandatory orientation for new grad students (ALL new grads on Thursday, TA orientation on Friday).

Be sure to register for the class and buy the text prior to leaving for the field trip. If you have any questions, contact either Joanne (541-737-1221, email: vangeesj@geo.oregonstate.edu) or someone else in the Geosciences Office (541-737-1201).