The Island Ecology Program has inspired a generation of Sewanee students. It provides the unique opportunity to live and work on St. Catherines, one of the largest undeveloped islands on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The program involves faculty from multiple departments at Sewanee and outside experts with long experience on St. Catherines.

This summer program is open to students from all academic majors and interests, and successful participants have included majors in subjects as diverse as philosophy, theater, chemistry, and political science.

Quick Facts

Where: St. Catherine's Island, Georgia USA

When: May 22 - June 27, 2025

What: Island Ecology is a 5-week field course in coastal ecology on St. Catherine’s Island, GA. In its 39th year, this Island Ecology program provides a unique experience to live and work on one of the largest undeveloped islands on the Atlantic coast of the United States.

At the end of this course, each student will be thoroughly familiar with the following concepts and practices related to island ecology: 1) how soils and land use have shaped the plant communities on the island, 2) the physical/biological interactions of note on the island, 3) the island’s wildlife ecology, 4) concepts related to landscape ecology, 5) invertebrate and marine ecology, 6) and data collection, analysis and reporting.

Trip Leaders: Kirk Zigler, Professor of Biology & Eric Ezell, Professor of Earth & Environmental Systems

Contact for Additional Information: global@sewanee.edu

How to Apply: Once invited by the trip leaders to participate, set up an account and apply through

Program Overview

Academics

The following course is required for all students on the Island Ecology Program:

ESCI 240: Island Ecology (8 credits)

At the end of this class, each student will be thoroughly familiar with the following concepts and practices related to island ecology: 1) how soils and land use have shaped the plant communities on the island, 2) the physical/biological interactions of note on the island, 3) the island’s wildlife ecology, 4) concepts related to landscape ecology, 5) invertebrate and marine ecology, 6) and data collection, analysis and reporting.
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Prerequisites: ENST 140 Readings in Island Ecology  (2 credits)
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Supervised readings and discussion in geology, hydrology, invertebrate zoology, marine zoology, maritime plant communities, and wildlife behavior as preparation for participation in the interdisciplinary summer Island Ecology program. Prerequisite: Only open to students admitted to the Island Ecology program

Housing

Students will reside in comfortable air conditioned, dorm-style cabins on St. Catherine's Island. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.

Student Support

On-site support for this program is provided by Sewanee faculty in coordination with St. Catherine's Island Foundation.

24/7 Emergency support
Crisis-management preparedness
Fully trained on-site local staff
Classroom space
Access to field station and labs
On-site transportation
Airport pick-up

Dates

Arrival: Tentatively May 22, 2025

Section 1 (5 days): Geography, hydrology, geology. (Instructor: Professor Eric Ezell)

Section 2 (5 days): Ornithology & projects (Instructor: Professor David Haskell)

Section 3 (8 days): Landscape ecology & projects (Instructor: Professor Tom Powell)

Section 4 (9 days): Wildlife ecology & projects (Instructor: Professor Kristen Cecala)

Section 5 (8 days): Invertebrate zoology & marine ecology (Professor Kirk Zigler, Professor Tom Howick)

Depart: Tentatively June 27, 2025