Professor Trimble is very knowledgeable about everything concerning soils and environmental changes in the US. His lectures can be a bit dry sometimes, but he definitely tries to make the material engaging. His midterm was fine, as was the final. But, it's vital to know the info in the books and all the maps he hands out. Overall, he's a pretty good professor.

While I am sure he is a nice man, his teaching and testing style leave something to be desired. He says something will be on the test, only to find that it isn't there. The same goes for things the he says will not be on the test: you end up being tested on them. This class has 4 long books...enough said. His lectures go off on tangents and you are never sure what is relevant and what isn't. Long story short: take another class if at all possible.

I honestly don't know what the other reviews are talking about. If you have a high GPA that you don't want to ruin and a LIFE in which you actually have stuff to accomplish, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. The only way to actually do all the reading and devote the time he expects is if you have NOTHING ELSE to do with your time. It is true that he is extremely knowledgeable, but he is difficult to learn from and he expects that you don't have other classes, a job, or friends. There are 4 relatively long books to read throughout the quarter, plus extensive articles and book excerpts, and maps to memorize. I don't doubt that the books are very interesting and useful, but if you have other challenging classes, it's IMPOSSIBLE to keep up. Or maybe I'm just a slow reader. He seems nice and at times he is; he is very available in his office and by email. But don't make the mistake of going up to his desk and touching any of the books or papers he has there - HE WILL YELL AT YOU.
For the first midterm, it is entirely filling in empty versions of the maps he hands out in class. I don't know about the second one yet, but I'm fearing the death of my GPA...
Honestly, the subject interests me, the books are (for the most part) pretty outstanding...but I would rather audit the class than actually take it. I'm not a lazy student...just realistic.

Trimble is an interesting, engaging, and humorous professor. I was nervous to take his class in the beginning, because he sends out "scare tactic" emails in order to make sure his students are focused. If you're interested and engaged in the material itself, then you'll probably do well and enjoy the class. Word of advice, he loves maps, so pay attention to them (soil, rainfall, vegetation coverage, etc.) because they popped up on the first exam. Knowing the material is vital and there is no way to pretend that you do if you don't. Also, he takes writing seriously. He's available outside of class, welcomes questions, and is very easy to talk to. If you like geography and want a professor who is down to earth, then take Professor Trimble. I enjoyed the historical geography class very much.