Events calendar   

This online course will give you a deeper understanding of the incredible ways in which flora and fauna adapt to the wintry conditions in the Alps.

This winter ecology course is open to anybody who’s interested in mountain flora and fauna. However, it is of particular interest to IML aspirants preparing for their winter assessment.

To reserve a spot please send an email to simone_v_velzen@hotmail.com.

The price for the full course is 120 Euros. To reserve a spot full payment is required in advance.

The course consists of 4 sessions of about 45 minutes per session:

1. WINTER ADAPTATIONS in MAMMALS
   Monday November 18th @ 8.30 pm CET
   Subjects: Physical and behavioral adaptations to winter conditions in mammals
2. WINTER ADAPTATIONS in BIRDS
   Wednesday, November 20th @ 8.30 pm CET
   Subjects: Physical and behavioural adaptations to winter in birds
3. TREES – Deciduous & coniferous
   Monday November 25th @ 8.30 pm CET
   Subjects: Identifying some of the most common coniferous and deciduous trees in winter,
   the main problems trees face in winter and their adaptations, interactions between trees
   and wildlife
4. ANIMAL TRACKS
   Wednesday November 27th @ 8.30 pm CET
   Subjects: Visible signs of wildlife in the wintry landscape

A class will take about 45 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, there is the possibility to ask questions and
discus subjects. Handouts will also be distributed after the presentations. Recordings of the classes
will however not be available or distributed afterwards, due to the complexity of copyright protection
of intellectual property.

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED – Please feel free to send Simone a message if you are interested in this online course. She’d be delighted to choose dates that suit you.  

During this course we will dive into the incredible rich flora in the Alps. The course is open to anybody
who’s interested in mountain flora. It is of particular interest to IML aspirants preparing for their
summer assessment. 

The course consists of 4 sessions of about 45 minutes per session:

1.  Introduction to mountain flora
2. Adaptations to the mountain environment
3. Interaction between plants and other organisms (for sexual reproduction and nutrients)
4. Ethnobotany (uses of plants by humans)

To reserve a spot please send an email to simone_v_velzen@hotmail.com.

The price for the full course is 120 Euros. 

A class will take about 45 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, there is the possibility to ask questions and
discus subjects. Handouts will also be distributed after the presentations. Recordings of the classes
will however not be available or distributed afterwards, due to the complexity of copyright protection
of intellectual property.

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED – Please feel free to send Simone a message if you are interested in this course. She’d be delighted to choose a date that suits you.  

This full day course (9.30 till 16.30) will give you a deeper understanding of the incredibly rich flora and fauna
in the Alps. We’ll identify many common and iconic plant and animal species, but this
course will also show how every single species is extremely well adapted to
its environment.

LOCATION – Col des Montets
The botanical discovery trail at the Col des Montets starts at the Chalet of the Aiguilles
Rouges Nature Reserve. The trail forms a loop of less than 3 kilometres. The flora on
this trail is so incredibly rich that we’ll find new plant species with every step, which
means that this trail provides an extraordinary opportunity to study flowers as well as
trees in their natural environment. We will also visit the taxidermy display (mainly
mammals and birds) in the chalet. During times of bad weather, we can continue the
course inside the Chalet of the Aiguilles Rouges. We’ll take the most out of calmer spells
to spend as much time outside as possible.

SUBJECTS

The course consists of 4 parts (order of subjects will depend on the weather):

1. The incredibly rich flora and fauna of the Alps
   – Why do mountainous areas have an incredible diversity of flora and fauna?
   – Why is it especially important to preserve flora and fauna in mountainous areas?
   – What are the biggest threats to nature in the Alps?
2. What are the iconic and common birds in this region?
   – How are these species adapted to their habitat?
3. Deciduous and coniferous shrubs and trees
   – Understanding the difference between deciduous and coniferous plants (needles vs
   leaf)
   – Identifying deciduous and coniferous shrubs and trees
   – How are these species adapted to their habitat
4. Flowers
   – Identifying flowers at the Col des Montets
   – how are these plants adapted to their environment?

PRICE
The price for a full day is 75 Euros of which 10% will be donated to the Aiguilles Rouges
Nature Reserve. To reserve a spot full payment is required.

All bookings directly to Simone via simone_v_velzen@hotmail.com, +33781554608

PLEASE BRING
• Appropriate sun protection
• Warm and waterproof clothing, for field work outside
• Picnic for lunch (coffee, tea and soft drinks are for sale in the chalet)
• Field guides on birds, flowers, trees and mammals of the Alps
• Note book and pens