This is an archived post from April 14, 2017 written by Emmanuel during his 4th year in the Environmental Politics, Justice and Arts stream of the Bachelor in Environmental Studies. Emmanuel launched the Environmental Studies “Eco-Tour” blog with his posts for Eco-Navigating the YU Campus. His posts serve as a guide to York University’s Keele Campus, highlighting some of some of Emmanuel’s “go-to” places for studying, relaxation, and getting in-touch with the more natural features/spaces of the university.
Boynton Woodlot:
Panoramic view of the Boynton Woodlot in Winter. It's much prettier in spring!
Found on the South East corner of the Keele Campus, the Boynton Woods is one of the natural Woodlots BES students use. In the first year of the program, students are required to take ENVS 1500 (Introduction to Environmental Science), an Environmental Studies course that incorporates field work in its curriculum.
Within the Woodlots, you get the opportunity to research and conduct coursework on the various flora and fauna found within Boynton, giving you hands on experience of what it would be like to be an environmental scientist and the methods they would employ. The course may be a challenge for students without a science background, but the resources available in the faculty, such as the Peer Mentors, help reduce any difficulties you may have.
Boyer Woodlot:
Panoramic view of Boyer Woodlot in Winter. It's much prettier in spring!
Located in the North West corner of Keele Campus, Boyer Woodlot is another space Environmental Studies students make use of with its diverse eco-system comprised of several tree species, birds, small mammals (Say hi to the YorkU groundhogs!), and wood frogs. Its relatively small size makes it suitable for a variety of activities not necessarily related to studying such as practicing yoga, creating art, and most importantly, relaxing.
For students in the BES (or Environmental Science), courses such as Restoration Ecology, Conservation Biology, Population Ecology, and Taking Action give us a chance to carry out activities such as tracking birds and small animals and sampling for the various species found in the area to name just a few. Taking part in these activities serve as a wonderful way to gain hands-on experience in studying the environment and can develop your interest in environmental conservation. It's also good way to meet and connect with fellow BES students as these projects are often assigned as group work.
