An innovative project exists in Washington State partnering scientists with inmates, the Sustainability in Prisons Project. The SPP has received support to expand nationally and we are interested in recruiting ecologists and conservation biologists interested in partnering with local prisons to expand their research projects.
See the following NY Times article for more information: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/us/raising-frogs-for-freedom-prison-project-opens-doors.html?ref=science Recent projects have included: 1. raising endangered frogs in prison for release in restoration areas 2. raising rare or endangered plants in prison for restoration and revegetation 3. raising endangered butterflies in prison for release in restoration areas 4. research on predator evasion responses by frogs 5. research on oviposition preferences by butterflies 6. research on smoke-water induced germination of prairie plants 7. research on rates of moss growth in culture But the possibilities of bringing your research into a prison environment may be quite limitless! To top it off, the opportunities for doing innovative science outreach to underserved audiences is fantastic! Contact me directly if you are interested in being part of a national network of similar partnerships. We have interest from prison administrators in many states already and we are gaining steam! -Carri Carri J. LeRoy, Ph.D. Co-Director, Sustainability in Prisons Project Member of the Faculty, The Evergreen State College 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA ler...@evergreen.edu www.sustainableprisons.org 360-867-5483
