Studying watersheds in Germany

Sewanee's environmental studies opportunities took on an international dimension this summer with a new comparative watershed studies course offered by Dr. Martin Knoll. Twelve students spent two weeks in southern Germany comparing watershed characteristics there with watersheds they had previously studied on the Cumberland Plateau around Sewanee. Daily hikes of 15 to 30 km exposed students to the geology, hydrology, flora, fauna, and rich human history of the landscape. Although the watersheds in both areas have a similar geological and hydrological construct, differences in climate and a long history of intensive modification of the land in Germany starting with Celtic tribes have resulted in the evolution of a landscape very different from that of the Cumberland Plateau. Of particular interest to students were the region's vineyards and the concept of terroir, or all those natural and cultural factors that give a region its distinctive flavor of wine (southwest Germany includes the country's largest red wine producing region).