About Landscape Ecology and Planning
Landscape ecology comprises designing landscape with consideration to spatial patterns and ecological processes. Landscape ecologists assume the role of assisting with the management of earth’s resources, while creating and affecting landscape patterns. A suitable candidate for landscape ecology should possess an interest in landscape dynamics.
Broadscale Environmental Issues
Landscape ecology tackles broadscale environmental issues. The demand for commodities and services on a global scale often leads to an ecological crisis. Chemical contamination and flooding regimes sometimes affects many countries. The survival of many plant and animal species presents a large impact on the earth’s ecological system. Proper land planning for human habitat provides a positive affect on the ecology. Careful use of resources assures a better future for many generations.
Ecology Groups
A European organization, by the name of ALTER-Net, accesses and forecasts changes in ecological biodiversity, structure, functions and dynamics. The Ecological Society of America is a non-profit network of people employed in the life and environmental sciences. The society was founded 96 years ago to promote the science and profession of ecology. The Mine Ecology and Reclamation Society invites biologists, chemists, ecologists, environmental experts, landscape engineers and mine reclamation professionals to discuss policies to clean up the medium- and large-scale mining operations.
Landscape Ecology Training
Landscape ecology requires at least a four-year college degree; however, many landscape ecologists maintain a master's or doctorate degree. The graduate degree may be titled Environmental Conservation or Organismic and Evolutionary Biology instead of Landscape Ecology. Master and doctoral level graduate assistantships are available for qualifying ecology students contingent on funding. The qualifications for a graduate assistantship generally include a 3.0 grade point average, placement in the 60th percentile for the Graduate Record Exam and an excellent recommendation from instructors, although qualifications can vary between institutions.