This year long elective course details the environmental constraints which humankind confronts and describes actions that can be taken in order to cope successfully with them. A deeper understanding of and appreciation for nature is developed through discussions regarding ecological principles, population, conservation, pollution, natural resources and other issues. The class utilizes a college-seminar approach in which students discuss and answer questions in-class from assigned out of class reading or research. The laboratory section of the course is geared to each student developing problem-solving skills and working as part of a research team. The class is complemented by local field trips and prepares students for college courses on environmental issues.  Students will be required to do extensive reading and writing.