Tim Parsons
Head Horticulturist & Visiting Lecturer
- Office
- Service Building 059
- Tel
- (802) 443-5969
- tparsons@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- By appointment
Courses Taught
ENVS 0500
Current
Independent Study
Course Description
Independent Study
In this course, students (non-seniors) carry out an independent research or creative project on a topic pertinent to the relationship between humans and the environment. The project, carried out under the supervision of a faculty member with related expertise who is appointed in or affiliated with the Environmental Studies Program, must involve a significant amount of independent research and analysis. The expectations and any associated final products will be defined in consultation with the faculty advisor. Students may enroll in ENVS 0500 no more than twice for a given project. (Approval only)
Terms Taught
ENVS 0700
Upcoming
Senior Independent Study
Course Description
Senior Independent Study
In this course, seniors complete an independent research or creative project on a topic pertinent to the relationship between humans and the environment. During the term prior to enrolling in ENVS 0700, a student must discuss and agree upon a project topic with a faculty advisor who is appointed in or affiliated with the Environmental Studies Program and submit a brief project proposal to the Director of Environmental Studies for Approval. The expectations and any associated final products will be defined in consultation with the faculty advisor. Students may enroll in ENVS 0700 as a one-term independent study OR up to twice as part of a multi-term project, including as a lead-up to ENVS 0701 (ES Senior Thesis) or ENVS 0703 (ES Senior Integrated Thesis). (Senior standing; Approval only)
Terms Taught
HARC 0276
Current
Landscape Design
Course Description
Introduction to Sustainable Landscape Design
What are our outdoor experiences like? How can we design and interact with the world in a safe, inviting, and inclusive way? Sustainable landscapes use an ecosystem approach to design, strengthening the connections between us, our physical place, and the living systems surrounding us. Using our campus landscape as our laboratory, in this studio course we will engage in outdoor explorations, discussions, and readings. We will also conduct projects that explore concepts in landscape design, including site analysis, resource inputs, functional considerations, and design principles for creating sustainable landscapes. Sources to include Planting in a Post Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West, Landscape Graphics by Grant Reid, and Integrated Landscaping-Following Nature’s Lead by Lauren Chase-Rowell et. al.
Terms Taught
Requirements
HARC 0530
Independent Architect. Design
Course Description
Supervised independent work in architectural analysis and design. (Approval Required)
Terms Taught
INTD 0500
Upcoming
Independent Study
Course Description
Independent Study
Approval Required
Terms Taught
INTD 1127
Trees and the Urban Forest
Course Description
Trees and the Urban Forest
Trees play a very important, if often forgotten role, not only globally, but also locally in our towns and cities. Wildlife habitat, pollution and storm water abatement, carbon sequestration, and energy savings, all arise from a healthy and active urban forest. In this class we will study the uses and values of the urban forest, basic tree biology and identification, arboricultural practices, planning and design, resource management, and community involvement. By using computer models to calculate factors in an urban forest setting, including carbon sequestration and pollution abatement, the class will make proposals related to Energy 2028, as well as develop a tree tour for the campus. (Not open to students who have taken BIOL 1003). This course counts as a cognate for ENVS majors with a focus in the social sciences or humanities.
Tim Parsons is Middlebury College’s Landscape Horticulturist. He is a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture, a Vermont Certified Horticulturist, and holds a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont.
Terms Taught
Requirements