Rangeland Ecology and Management students develop field-based skills at U of I’s Rinker Rock Creek Ranch

In the heart of Blaine County, the University of Idaho's Rinker Rock Creek Ranch stands as a haven for students pursuing degrees in Rangeland Ecology and Management. The REM 460 Integrated Field Studies in Rangelands course, which spanned over five transformative days, from September 6-10, provided an immersive experience for those seeking hands-on knowledge in the field.

Led by Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences faculty Jason Karl, Ph.D. and Eva Strand, Ph.D., as well as Tracey Johnson, Ph.D., and Associate Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, the course was populated with students primarily from the Rangeland Ecology and Management degree program. Other students from the College of Natural Resources also participated in the field trip, as well as students from the College of Southern Idaho currently enrolled in the Department’s Rangeland Ecology and Management “2+2 from Twin Falls” program.

The scenic landscapes of Rinker Rock Creek Ranch (RRCR) provided the perfect backdrop for this educational odyssey. RCCR is a unique research, education and outreach facility where faculty, staff and students can explore rangeland management and conservation. The working ranch doubles as a living laboratory where science-based practices for land managers are developed and shared with a variety of stakeholders. Housing at Cow Camp, with its "rustic" charm, added an authentic touch, allowing students to lodge in wall tents or bring their own, fostering a close-to-nature experience. 

Following a review of the Rangeland Ecology and Management program by important stakeholders around the state, the course integrated field trips from three different courses into a longer, better organized field course focused on rangelands. The primary goals of the course emphasize the application of knowledge and skills acquired in previous classes within the working ranch context. Students engaged in hands-on techniques, measuring, monitoring, and understanding rangeland ecosystems and wildlife habitat.  Applying skills learned on other range courses, the students also worked in teams and developed communication and collaborative skills while enhancing their knowledge of rangeland ecology, vegetation monitoring, and habitat assessment.  Students also engaged with a variety of external speakers on issues related to ranch management. 

New this year, the students also participated in a "science day" as part of the field course that allowed students to learn more about active research projects at the ranch, interact with lead researchers, and participate in a networking dinner with professionals in the natural resources field. 

According to Karl, the class was “a resounding success, evolving and improving with each passing year.” The collaborative effort across classes elevated the overall quality of the field trip, reinforcing its importance in the curriculum.  As a cornerstone of the Rangeland Ecology and Management degree, future students are promised an enriching and unforgettable educational adventure amidst the vast landscapes of Rinker Rock Creek Ranch.

Article by Makayla Kelly and Charles Goebel
Photo by Jason Karl
Published March 2024