Exploring the Wilds of Chicago
an online, self-directed course
This course will teach you ecological literacy and bioregional awareness by introducing basic concepts of terrestrial ecosystem ecology which you can experience and apply to your explorations of the Chicago Region.
A living and growing online course experience…
My online course offerings are a bit unique in that they will be released in phases, i.e. updated ‘versions’ that will expand upon the content in previous versions. Think of the updated versions like a new edition of a book: the core ideas are present from the beginning, with each new edition offering expansions and revisions to the original.
The reason I am releasing the course this way is primarily because I have very big plans for this course, but didn’t want to fiddle around for years or perhaps even a decade before sharing any of what I am learning with you all.
My intention as an educator is to support as many folks as possible to waking up to the more-than-human world which is the very foundation of life as we know it – even if we don’t have the eyes to see this profound truth quite yet. This course is about attuning your senses to this more-than-human world brimming with life so we can awaken to the responsibility and ecological niche of humanity – which I believe is as custodians and stewards of this earth.
Version 1.0 is the current version of the course. This version is built upon the original 'Foundational Ecology' Course offered in the Virtual Garden before we built out our online course platform and is comprised of one module with 13 text-based lessons. See the outline below for what to expect in this current version, and see the Course Version Roadmap below for what you can expect in future versions of this course.
Version 1.0 Course Outline
Module 1: Foundational Ecology
Lesson 1: Cultivating a Bioregional Awareness
Lesson 2: Abiotic Components of an Ecosystem
Lesson 3: Biotic Components of an Ecosystem
Lesson 4: Energy Transfer & Biotic Relationships
Lesson 5: Keystone Species
Lesson 6: A Love Letter to Oaks
Lesson 7: Immersing Yourself in the Landscape
Lesson 8: Ecosystems and Plant Communities
Lesson 9: Invasive Species & Human Disruption
Lesson 10: People & Plants –– Indigenous, Native, Invasive, & Naturalized
Lesson 11: Exploring Ecological Cycles through Phenology
Lesson 12: Additional Links + Resources
Lesson 13: What to Expect in Version 2.0
enroll now!
enroll now!
$75 one-time purchase
Version 1.0, the current version of the course, is built upon the original 'Foundational Ecology' Course offered in the Virtual Garden before we built out our online course platform. Later versions will increase in price as the value of the course increases and content is added. See the Course Version Roadmap below for what you can expect from future releases.
When you purchase the course, you will never be asked to pay more for a later version. You will have access to all future versions as they are released, so it's a good way to get a discount on future content.
You will be asked to create a member profile with your email before purchasing, this will give you access to both the course and online community.
Course Version Roadmap
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Version 1.0 is a text- and reading-based course that explores foundational concepts in ecology and bioregionalism with a basis in the Chicago Region.
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In Version 2.0, we plan on updated the Foundational Ecology lessons from version 1.0 with updated videos, as well as adding several video-based modules exploring different ecosystems that are commonly encountered in the Chicago Region, including some of the notable and common relationships that sustain these ecosystems. We also expect there to be additional lessons and readings in the ‘Foundational Ecology’ module of the course.
Expected Updated Price*: somewhere between $150-$250 as a one-time purchase
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In Version 3.0, we plan on including videos exploring ecosystems that can be found beyond the Chicago Region and within the Great Lakes Basin. We also expect there to be additional lessons and readings in the ‘Foundational Ecology’ module of the course.
Expected Updated Price*: somewhere between $325-$450 as a one-time purchase
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The expected price increases are offered as an estimated range and are not guaranteed to fall within this range at the time of an updated release. I always try to keep prices accessible, but want to make sure I give myself the flexibility to make the best possible educational material for you and cover any associated costs.
