Oftentimes, success in ecological education is measured solely by the number of degrees granted, whether they are doctorates or bachelors. At small institutions, it is not usually possible either to develop a complete degree program in ecology for undergraduates or to convince students that a post-graduate education in ecology and a research career are for them. However, this does not mean that all our ecological education efforts are for naught. By accepting alternative measures of success, different "endpoints", one can more fully gauge the total impact that ecological education has on a broader population.
Results/Conclusions
Experiences at a small, urban, historically black institution indicate that students incorporate ecological concepts into their other subjects and into their life choices, and value the experiences they have while participating in ecological activities. In addition to a formal curriculum in ecology, these activities included participation in an Ecology Club, attendance at ecology-related seminars, career workshops, field trips, and development and maintenance of a campus butterfly garden.
