Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Jane Shevtsov]

Hi Bob,

Can you please cite some numbers to back up your claim? 30 MPG is pretty
good (although old cars tend to be worse from the point of view of toxic
emissions), but every examination I've seen of the question of whether the
improved efficiency of a hybrid offsets the C emissions due to its
manufacture has concluded that the hybrid is better than keeping the old
car. (I guess that might not be true if you do very little driving.)

Jane

On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:08 PM, Robert Fireovid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:

> McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into trading in
> my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the
> quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted,
> transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of Nature
> that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the Prius for
> over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and generate any net
> improvement in my environmental footprint.
>
> Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have
> them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I
> mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts
>
> - Bob Fireovid
>
>
> >W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we
> make
> >things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading list.  They
> >suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is refreshing,
> >maybe even hopeful.
>



-- 
-
Jane Shevtsov
Ecology Ph.D. student, University of Georgia
co-founder, http://www.worldbeyondborders.org";>World Beyond
Borders
Check out my blog, http://perceivingwholes.blogspot.com";>Perceiving
Wholes

"But for the sake of some little mouthful of flesh we deprive a soul of the
sun and light, and of that proportion of life and time it had been born into
the world to enjoy." --Plutarch, c.46-c.120 AD

[ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Robert Fireovid]

McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into trading in 
my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the 
quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted, 
transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of Nature 
that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the Prius for 
over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and generate any net 
improvement in my environmental footprint.


Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have 
them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I 
mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts


- Bob Fireovid



W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we make
things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading list.  They
suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is refreshing,
maybe even hopeful.

[ECOLOG-L] 2008 MBI Workshop for Young Researchers in Mathematical Biology (WYRMB)

[Andrew Nevai]

The Mathematical Biosciences Institute (MBI) would like to announce the

2008 MBI Workshop for Young Researchers in Mathematical Biology (WYRMB)

September 2-4, 2008
Mathematical Biosciences Institute,
The Ohio State University
Columbus OH, USA

Application Deadline:  April 4, 2008
Apply at: http://www.mbi.ohio-state.edu/forms/wyrmbapplyworkshop.html

This workshop is intended to broaden the scientific perspective of young
researchers in mathematical biology and to encourage interactions with
other scientists. Workshop activities include plenary talks and poster
sessions, as well as group discussions on issues relevant to mathematical
biologists.

We cordially invite young mathematical biologists to participate. The MBI
will plan to cover local expenses for all invitees, but travel expenses
may only be available on a competitive basis.

Accepted Plenary Speakers:

- Carson Chow, Department of Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh and
Laboratory of Biological Modeling, NIDDK, NIH
- Stephen Coombes, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of
Nottingham
- Jun Liu, Department of Statistics, Harvard University
- Markus Owen, Division of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematical
Sciences, University of Nottingham
- John White, Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah

Further Details can be found at:
http://www.mbi.ohio-state.edu/postdocworkshop/wyrmb2008.html
If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Martin at:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Sincerely,
MBI Postdoctoral Fellows

[ECOLOG-L] Fw: 2008 National Park Service Minigrant

[Joy]

Topic: 2008 Summer Minigrant
National Park Service, Great Lakes Research and Education Center

Summer research internships in biological or cultural research are available at 
4 National Parks in the Great Lakes region (one per park), including Apostle 
Island National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Indiana Dunes 
National Lakeshore, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Applicant must 
be a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. student at an accredited college or 
university.  Students must submit a report on their research project upon 
completion of the internship. The research may be used to fulfill  university 
requirements. Funding is up to $3,000 for a 12-16 week period. Housing is 
provided at individual parks.  For more information about the research topics 
at each park and application instructions, check the web site:
http://www.cesu.umn.edu/MiniGrantProgram.html

[ECOLOG-L] Data Manager Job - Sierra Nevada national parks

[Linda Mutch]

Job Announcement:  Data Manager (Ecologist GS-0408, Biologist GS-0404, or 
Information Technology Specialist GS-2210). This is a permanent, full 
time, GS-11 position (approx. $54,494 to $70,843) or GS-09 (approx. 
$45,040 to $58,557) position (grade dependent upon experience) with the 
Sierra Nevada Network Inventory & Monitoring Program. This position is 
open to applicants both with and without federal status. 

The Sierra Nevada Network (SIEN) includes Yosemite National Park, Sequoia 
& Kings Canyon National Parks, and Devils Postpile National Monument. See 
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/SIEN/index.cfm for more information 
on the SIEN I&M Program and the network parks. 

Duty Station Location:  Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers, California, 
with travel to all Sierra Nevada Network parks. Centrally located in 
California, Three Rivers is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada 
mountains and within driving distance of the coast as well as various 
points of interest all over the state. The Sierra Nevada parks offer 
outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, spectacular scenery, and 
diverse natural and cultural resources.

Duties:  Incumbent will lead planning and implementation of data 
management for a long-term monitoring program that evaluates status and 
trends of key ecosystem components and processes.  Major responsibilities 
include program development; database design and management; data 
acquisition and quality management; data documentation (metadata); data 
archiving and security; and data retrieval, reporting and dissemination. 
The incumbent will travel to all network parks, to coordinate meetings and 
trainings with park staffs and cooperators, and to integrate the network’s 
data management strategy with park programs. Incumbent will collaborate 
with data managers at park, network, and national levels. There will be 
some opportunities to work in the field to oversee data collection quality 
assurance and quality control, and to work with other network staff in the 
analyses and interpretation of monitoring data. The position will 
supervise 1-2 data technicians.

Detailed application instructions may be found in the vacancy announcement 
posted at:  http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/. The announcement number is SEKI-
08-31EE. Be sure to carefully follow instructions in the announcement. 
Announcement is open from Feb 26-Mar 17, 2008. 

For more information, please contact Linda Mutch ([EMAIL PROTECTED] or 
559-565-3174).

[ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Robyn Darbyshire]

I recommend "A Forest Journey" by Perlin.

Robyn Darbyshire

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Kathleen Knight]

Last Chance to See is not a serious scientific discussion of environmental 
problems. There is a fair amount of humor and generally fun-to-read stories 
of Adams' adventures with biologists. However, it is interspersed with 
quite a bit of the biology of the species he goes to see, a good bit of 
cultural context, interesting descriptions of efforts to sustain declining 
populations (ecotourism, habitat restoratin, relocation, and breeding 
programs), and some brief discussion of some of the causes of extinction 
(poaching, habitat loss, invasive species). I don't remember Adams 
expounding on the way things ought to be. It's a great book to launch more 
serious discussion of environmental problems. The book is fun to read, 
which is important for non-majors summer reading assignments, and gives it 
a chance at getting previously uninterested students interested in 
conservation biology.

-Kathleen

On Feb 27 2008, Kelly Stettner wrote:

I'm a little surprised to see Last Chance to See being promoted for this 
purpose; from what I gather, it's a fun read...period. There is a ton of 
Adams' lovely, off-beat British humor (especially in the dialogue), 
plenty of his opinions about The Way Things Ought To Be, but he is very 
flippant with imporant topics which form the back-drop for The Way Things 
Got To Be How They Are. It's a fun read, perhaps a launch-point for 
honest research and serious discussion, but humor doesn't replace 
integrity.
  
 Respectfully,

 Kelly Stettner


Black River Action Team (BRAT)
 45 Coolidge Road
 Springfield, VT  05156
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 


http://www.blackriveractionteam.org

~Making ripples on the Black River since 2000! ~

  
-

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.



--
-
Kathleen S. Knight

[ECOLOG-L] Conference: Reminder - Southeastern Ecology and Evolution Conference

[Nathaniel Jue]

This is a friendly reminder that early registration for the Southeastern
Ecology and Evolution Conference is nearing an end (February 29th).  Early
registration is only $15! Once this closes, registration increases to $35. 
Registration fees include a few meals, a Saturday night social, T-shirt and
other conference accouterment.  You can find registration information at
http://bio.fsu.edu/~eerdg/seec/index.htm as well as lodging and directions.
 Also on the website you can find information on the distinguished speakers
we have lined up, including our own Dr. Joseph Travis and Dr. Walter
Tschinkel. Additionally, we are still accepting abstracts for poster session
and talks- this is a great opportunity to gain experience with an audience
of peers.  We will be accepting abstracts until March 14th.

We look forward to seeing you this spring in Tallahassee! (See call for
abstracts below.)


Florida State University will host the 2008 Southeastern Ecology and  
Evolution Conference and is announcing a call for abstracts for  
presentations of research.  This is a scientific symposium aimed at  
graduate, post-doctoral, and undergraduate researchers in the fields  
of ecology, systematics, and evolutionary biology.  The conference  
will be held on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee,  
Florida on March 28-30, 2008.

Abstract Submission Information

Researchers interested in presenting posters or 15-minute talks are  
invited to submit abstracts pertaining to:
- Animal Behavior
- Conservation
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Functional Morphology
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Systematics

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is Friday March 14, 2008  
at 5:00 PM, EST.  Please submit your abstract along with registration  
at the SEEC website, found at http://bio.fsu.edu/~eerdg/seec/.

Abstracts should be limited to 250 words, and please include any  
primary and co-authors as well as session preference.  Information  
about poster and talk requirements is available on the SEEC website.

Please contact David McNutt ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for questions  
regarding registration or abstract submission, or general questions  
about SEEC to Amanda Buchanan ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Eric Jones  
([EMAIL PROTECTED]).

[ECOLOG-L] Field Techs Needed for work in Zion National Park

[Marybeth Garmoe]

DESCRIPTION:
Northern Arizona University is looking to hire 5-6 bio-techs to work in Zion
National Park this spring. Technicians will work on one of two crews
sampling vegetation within either the Dakota Hill Complex Fire or the Kolob
Fire. These sites were both treated at a landscape level with the herbicide
Plateau in an attempt to reduce the invasion of Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)
and Red Brome (Bromus rubrum). A portion of the Kolob Fire also received a
native seeding treatment. 
Duties will include identifying plants to species, collecting unknown
species for later identification with the aid of keys (i.e. Utah Flora),
performing a variety of vegetation sampling techniques, soil collection,
accurately recording data in a handheld PDA or on datasheets, and collection
of photo points.
A certain degree of fitness and possession of a positive attitude are
necessary.  Field work will involve long hours of standing, bending, walking
and hiking over rugged, steep terrain. Extreme temperatures and weather
conditions are possible and exposure is a concern as we will be working in
burned areas with little or no canopy cover. 
Positions open until filled.

COMPENSATION:
Pay will be $9-14 per/hr depending upon experience. 

TRAVEL AND LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS:   
Employees will be responsible for travel to Zion National Park.
Kolob Fire
A university vehicle will be used for actual work purposes and will be
available for short trips to civilization. We will be camping for the
duration of the project. One or two Camp-sites will be reserved within the
Park. Most camping gear will be up to the individual to bring, but a kitchen
area with a stove and some utensils will be set up using university equipment. 
Dakota Hill
Employee vehicles will be left in a safe location in Zion Canyon, and
employees will be transported to a location near the site using a university
vehicle.  We will then backpack into a backcountry campground in Zion
National Park, where we will be camping for the duration of the field
sessions.  Personal camping gear and food for meals must be supplied by the
individual.  

TIMELINE:
Kolob Fire
We are planning to work an 8 day session beginning on April 24. This will be
followed by 6 days off. The next session will begin on May 8 and could last
as long as 16 days with only one scheduled day off on May 16. 
Dakota Hill
The work will consist of two to three eight day sessions, with 6 days off in
between.  The approximate start date for the first session is May 8th and
will run through May 15th.  The next session will begin May 22nd and run
through May 29th.  Dependent upon remaining workload, there is a possible
extension of the 2nd session or a 3rd session for those interested.  This
time may include additional field work or office work (data entry, plant id).

QUALIFICATIONS:
Kolob Fire
Previous botanical work is desired, but not required. At least some field
experience in a related discipline is necessary.
Dakota Hill 
At least one qualified botanist very familiar with the plants of Southern
Utah.  Previous botanical field experience is desired for the additional
positions, however this is not a requirement.  Due to the backcountry
location of these sites, an adequate level of fitness is required for hiking
in personal gear as well as some crew equipment.  There may be additional
days of hiking collected soil, biomass, and equipment out of the field.

CONTACTS:
If you are interested in working in the backcountry on the Dakota Hill
Complex, please send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and include a
statement of interest and a resume with references. Those interested in the
Kolob Fire can send a resume, cover letter and references to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

[ECOLOG-L] Faith in Nature

[Larry Baker]

One that doesn't make the "best seller" lists among environmental books, 
but should, is Thomas Dunn's "Faith in Nature".  The book examines the 
origin of American environmental movement from its religious roots, the 
secularization of environmentalism, and the need for "faith" in 
achieving deeper goals.  The author (a professor at Texas A&M) is a 
serious environmental historian, and arguments are well-formed and well 
worth reading, not at all preachy.



--
Larry Baker, Ph.D.
Water Resources Center
173 McNeal Hall
1985 Buford Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 763-370-1796
Skype: water.think
Web page: http://wrc.umn.edu/aboutwrc/staff/baker/index.html

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Reading Follow-up to George

[Sarah Braun]

Dear George,

I'd like to respectfully disagree with your comment that the books suggested
will not have enough traction to hold the attention of 17 year olds with
diverse interests. I myself read A Sand County Almanac with many other 16-17
yr olds in high school and also read much of Barbara Kingsolver's work (her
books were recommended by my english teacher at the time) also in high
school and thoroughly enjoyed them. They were far more interesting and
applicable than many of the lectures I sat through.  Many of my classmates
at the time enjoyed these works as well and have gone off into a range of
careers not necessarily related to the environment (ie. computer
programming, auto mechanics, art, sculputure, teaching) but we still discuss
A Sand County every now and then when we get together. That book in
particular really made an impact on many of us regardless of our career
paths.

As an additional note, the average 17 year old is bored with the low
expectations of the average introductory college course these days and will
excel far more when the instructor challenges them with the great modern
literature that is available such as the numerous books listed by folks
here. I  strongly encourage you to give the students a chance to prove you
wrong about you believe to be their opinions of a good read. If you are
excited about the books you choose, they will be too. I hope they prove you
wrong :)


Respectfully,
Sarah (age 26)

-- 
Sarah Braun
Citizen Science Director
Beaver Creek Reserve
Fall Creek, WI 54742
(715) 877-2212

[ECOLOG-L] USDA, CSREES National Needs Fellowships - Plant Medicine/Plant Pest Risk Assessment and Management

[Juneau,Kevyn J]

USDA, CSREES National Needs Fellowships - Plant Medicine/Plant Pest Risk
Assessment and Management 
University of Florida, IFAS multidisciplinary Plant Medicine Program is
seeking applicants for a 3-year USDA, CSREES National Needs Fellowship.
Program emphasizes plant pest risk assessment and management.  Three
fellowships are available.  Applicants must have a B.S. or M.S. in an
agriscience or bioscience discipline and be US citizens.  Students will
be jointly enrolled in the University of Florida, Plant Medicine Program
and Certificate Program in Plant Pest Risk Assessment and Management.
UF, Plant Medicine Program is a multidisciplinary course of study
leading to the professional doctoral degree, the Doctor of Plant
Medicine (DPM) degree.  Fellows will also receive specialized training
through the UF, Certificate Program in Plant Health Risk Assessment and
Management which provides technical expertise in plant protection and
associated regulatory policies.   The fellowship confers an annual
stipend of $24,000 for 3 years.   It will be administered as a 1/3 time
graduate assistantship requiring work (13 hrs/wk) at IPM Florida
 >. Closing Date:
April 15, 2008. Full position description available at
http://www.dpm.ifas.ufl.edu/prospective_students/financial_assistance.sh
tml
 . Contact: Dr. Norm Leppla; Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 ; Phone: 352-392-1901, ext. 120.  

 

*

Kevyn J. Juneau BS, ALAT
Entomology and Nematology Dept
PO Box 110620
Gainesville, FL 32611
352 392 1901 x205
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Summer environmental with an ecologic FOLLOW-UP

[Chris Stallings]

It's been mentioned several times, but I agree with those suggesting
Leopold's "Sand County Almanac."  Although it is non-fiction, Leopold tells
stories of his daily life at his cabin in the woods, so it reads like
fiction.  The chapters are very short (as is the entire book), and I think
it would hold the attention of teenagers.

If you want to go with pure fiction, I might recommend Ed Abbey's "Monkey
Wrench Gang."  It's a very fun read, has relatively short chapters, and may
get them thinking about the human influences on the environment through
development.  Conversely, it may get them involved in environmental
terrorism similar to the acts carried out by the characters.  Assign at
risk...

Chris

-- 
Christopher D. Stallings, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate
Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory
3618 Highway 98
St. Teresa, FL 32358-2702

phone: (850) 697-4103
fax: (850) 697-3822
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kraemer, George
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:15 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Summer environmental with an ecologic FOLLOW-UP

I have received 31 suggestions thusfar (I will post the final list).
But I want to clarify the search a little.  

 

When I look at the list I see many great books.  Most of them, however,
probably will not work for freshmen-to-be with a diverse range of
interests (e.g., math, sociology, art history, drama studies).  I loved
Song of the Dodo, but it's a little much for most of the target
audience.  

 

I think fiction is likely to have greater traction with the typical 17
y.o., but maybe there isn't enough out there that meets the requirements
of attention-keeping and environmental message?  

 

Non-fiction could work, if it were something compelling and "relatable"
like Freese's Coal: A Human History, or one of Kurlanksy's or Safina's
books.  

 

Think like a teen-ager... at least about what makes a good read.

 

George P. Kraemer

Associate Professor

Chair, Environmental Studies

Purchase College

914-251-6640 (o)

 



From: Kraemer, George 
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 8:34 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Umd. Edu (ecolog-l@listserv.umd.edu)
Subject: summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

 

Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the
opportunity to reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of
environmental literacy.  

 

I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.  

 

Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came
first to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've
missed.  Since this might be of interest to others, please respond to
the list.  

 

GPK

George P. Kraemer

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology

Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY) 

  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Carrie DeJaco]

"And the Waters Turned to Blood", about Joann Burkholder's discovery of
Pfiesteria is riveting and brings to light many environmental issues
while also exposing conflicts of interest that are interwined with
politics, economics, human health issues... 

Carrie DeJaco
  

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kelly Chinners Reiss
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:18 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental
theme

What about Living Downstream: A Scientist's Personal Investigation of
Cancer and the Environment by Sandra Steingraber.  It is now 10 years
old, but provides a well written account of toxicity, environmental
pollution, and the interconnectedness of people and the environment.  I
can't find my copy to see how well documented the book is, but it was a
great read.

-Kelly Reiss


>
>
>   
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Kraemer, George" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> To: 
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:34 AM
>> Subject: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental 
>> theme
>>
>>
>> Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's 
>> defined broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the

>> opportunity to reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of 
>> environmental literacy.
>>
>> I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college 
>> summer reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be 
>> something that would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should

>> lend itself to discussions that might allow diverse discipline to
have a say.
>>
>> Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came

>> first to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've 
>> missed.  Since this might be of interest to others, please respond to
the list.
>>
>> GPK
>> George P. Kraemer
>> Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology Chair, 
>> Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)
>> 
>
> _
> Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live.
> http://www.windowslive.com/share.html?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_sharelife_0
> 12008
>
>   

[ECOLOG-L] Please post the following position:

[Marian in Human Resources]

Research Experience for Undergraduates
(REU)   Seasonal/Temporary


The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking 
undergraduate applicants for several Arctic research projects. Successful 
candidates will participate in field research on either terrestrial or 
aquatic ecosystems in the Toolik Lake Research Natural Area on the North 
Slope of Alaska. The Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions 
are available to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents only who are 
currently enrolled as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (no 
graduating seniors).   

In addition to gaining experience by assisting on a variety of project 
activities, REU students typically assume an independent project that is 
linked to larger studies of lakes, streams, tundra or land-water 
interactions. REU participants are expected to collect and analyze data 
and to produce a poster describing their project near the end of the field 
season. We anticipate funding for support of two to four REU positions 
during the 2008 field season. 

Candidates for these jobs should be available to live at Toolik Field 
Station for 8-10 weeks during June, July and August. Travel to Toolik 
Field Station is paid for by grant funds as well as the cost of room and 
board at the station.  
 
Applicants should have completed basic coursework in biology, chemistry 
and ideally ecology or ecosystem studies. Attention to detail and a desire 
to learn new laboratory and field techniques are essential.   
Physical Requirements   Applicants should be in good health, capable of 
rigorous outdoor activity, and prepared to live in a field camp where 
cooperation with others is essential, personal privacy is limited, and 
living accommodations are spare and simple.   
Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial transcripts are 
required documents, but may be uploaded along with your Resume and Cover 
Letter or faxed to the Human Resources Office at 508-289-7931. If faxing, 
please include the position posting number or reference code.   


Apply to mbl.simplehire.com
An Equal Opportunity Employer

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Kelly Stettner]

I'm a little surprised to see Last Chance to See being promoted for this 
purpose; from what I gather, it's a fun read...period.  There is a ton of 
Adams' lovely, off-beat British humor (especially in the dialogue), plenty of 
his opinions about The Way Things Ought To Be, but he is very flippant with 
imporant topics which form the back-drop for The Way Things Got To Be How They 
Are.  It's a fun read, perhaps a launch-point for honest research and serious 
discussion, but humor doesn't replace integrity.
   
  Respectfully,
  Kelly Stettner


Black River Action Team (BRAT)
  45 Coolidge Road
  Springfield, VT  05156
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

http://www.blackriveractionteam.org

~Making ripples on the Black River since 2000! ~

   
-
Looking for last minute shopping deals?  Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[William Adair]

Hello George (and everyone else),

These books have proven to be good medicine for getting through difficult 
times...
"Grizzly Years" and "Walking it Off" by Douglas Peacock
"Ecology of a Cracker Childhood" by Janisse Ray
"Refuge" by Terry Tempest Williams

happy trails
bill a


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL 
PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kraemer, George
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 6:34 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined 
broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the opportunity to 
reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of environmental literacy.

I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer reading 
with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that would capture 
the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to discussions that might 
allow diverse discipline to have a say.

Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came first to 
mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've missed.  Since this 
might be of interest to others, please respond to the list.

GPK
George P. Kraemer
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology
Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)

[ECOLOG-L] WA State DNR Job Opportunities

[SEARLES, ROBERTA (DNR)]

The following are new job opportunities.  For details on these and other
ongoing recruitment activities please visit the Employment page on DNR's
Internet site:  http://www.dnr.wa.gov/jobs/ 


Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Recruitment #2008-02-0197
Location:  Forks
Closes:  March 14


Recreation Technician (Non-Perm)
Recruitment #2008-02-8187
Location:  Battle Ground
Closes:  March 10


Right-of-Way Engineer
Recruitment #2008-02-6969
Location:  Port Angeles
Closes:  March 14

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Summer environmental with an ecologic FOLLOW-UP

[Joshua LaPergola]

Forgive me if I am repeating an entry, but I don't remember seeing the 
following yet (although, distracted by my thesis proposal, I haven't followed 
the thread precisely)...
I strongly recommend Jared Diamond's Collapse.  With regard to your target 
audience, I am hard-pressed to think of another environmentally oriented book 
couched so appropriately for a general audience.  Also, some other books to 
consider:

The Green Reader (edited by Andrew Dobson)- not a bad general introduction to a 
diverse array of environmental topics.
The Future of Life (by E.O. Wilson)- not as general, but a good read 
nonetheless.
A New Species of Trouble (by Kai Erikson)- this has more of a taste of 
environmental sociology and is geared towards technological disasters, but it 
could open their eyes and generate quite a lot of discussion.

I hope this wasn't redundant and proves at least somewhat helpful.

-Josh


Joshua B. LaPergola
Graduate TA
Biology Department, Villanova University
Office: Mendel 192
Spring '08 Office Hours: Thursdays, 2:55-4:55
Phone: 610.519.5382
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [EMAIL PROTECTED] On 
Behalf Of Kraemer, George [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:14 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Summer environmental with an ecologic FOLLOW-UP

I have received 31 suggestions thusfar (I will post the final list).
But I want to clarify the search a little.



When I look at the list I see many great books.  Most of them, however,
probably will not work for freshmen-to-be with a diverse range of
interests (e.g., math, sociology, art history, drama studies).  I loved
Song of the Dodo, but it's a little much for most of the target
audience.



I think fiction is likely to have greater traction with the typical 17
y.o., but maybe there isn't enough out there that meets the requirements
of attention-keeping and environmental message?



Non-fiction could work, if it were something compelling and "relatable"
like Freese's Coal: A Human History, or one of Kurlanksy's or Safina's
books.



Think like a teen-ager... at least about what makes a good read.



George P. Kraemer

Associate Professor

Chair, Environmental Studies

Purchase College

914-251-6640 (o)





From: Kraemer, George
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 8:34 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Umd. Edu (ecolog-l@listserv.umd.edu)
Subject: summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme



Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the
opportunity to reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of
environmental literacy.



I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.



Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came
first to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've
missed.  Since this might be of interest to others, please respond to
the list.



GPK

George P. Kraemer

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology

Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)

[ECOLOG-L] Forest Conservation Interns

[Scott L. Bearer]

Forest Conservation Interns

POSITION TITLES: FOREST CONSERVATION CREW MEMBER (2) and FOREST 
CONSERVATION CREW LEADER (1)   Short-Term, Full-Time
JOB TITLE: 950001 Intern/Conservation
JOB FAMILY: Conservation
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
LOCATION: Williamsport, PA
SUPERVISOR: Forest Ecologist
TIME COMMITMENT: 5 days (35 hours) per week, May 10 – September 1, 2008 
(start/end times are negotiable)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 23, 2008

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
During the 2008 field season, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Pennsylvania 
will hire 3 interns, including 2 crew members and one crew leader, to 
support TNC’s Forest Conservation Program.  Forest Conservation Interns 
will provide technical and scientific support in the collection of field 
data associated with overall forest conservation goals, especially as 
related to TNC’s late-successional and old-growth forest conservation and 
restoration research program.  Interns will work as a member of a field 
data collection team collecting forest measurements in various terrain and 
ecoregions throughout Pennsylvania.  Primary duties include field work 
with GPS, forest vegetation, coarse woody debris, and plant and animal 
population data collection.  Crew leaders will provide supervision and 
oversight for a 3 person crew.

The Forest Conservation internship will be a full-time, short-term 
position, approximately 35 hours per week, May 10 – September 1.  Start 
and end dates are negotiable; weekly schedule will vary depending on 
weather conditions.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:
• Currently working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Ecology, or 
Biology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with tree identification (including 
seedling ID).
• Ability to navigate with a map and compass.
• Knowledge and experience with regional flora, fauna and ecosystems.
• Ability to evaluate habitat conditions and collect and process data and 
specimens.
• Previous camping experience and the ability to go several days without 
modern conviences will be essential.
• Experience with statistical analysis of natural communities and a 
variety of environmental data on ecological communities considered a plus.
• Familiarity with the methodology of the network of Natural Heritage 
Programs, remote sensing applications and geographic information systems 
considered a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills, thoroughness and attention to detail 
very important.
• Position will involve travel throughout the Central Appalachians in PA 
and overnight camping at field sites.  Applicants must be willing to camp 
for extended periods when necessary.  

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• Ability to compile and organize scientific data with attention to detail.
• Ability to make decisions in the field, and keep safety as the #1 
priority.
• Duties require non-routine physical activity, experience and judgement.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Ability to take initiative and work independently to carry out 
assignments with minimal supervision.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
• Must have a high level of personal responsibility, and act in a manner 
that is safe in the field. 
• May assess equipment and supply needs and communicate these to 
Supervisor.
• Crew leaders will provide input on crew function and data collection 
issues/concerns to Supervisor, and should have supervisory experience.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
• Communicate with internal and external contacts to seek or convey 
information and coordinate arrangements.
• Excellent organizational skills.  Strong oral and written communication 
skills considered a plus.  

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations and 
often in physically demanding circumstances.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.  
• Willingness to work long hours in an isolated setting, including 
extended camping in wilderness.
• Work requires frequent physical exertion and/or muscular strain.  Work 
may involve several disagreeable elements and/or exposure to job hazards 
where there is some possibility of injury.  

TO APPLY:  
Submit cover letter and resume, indicating your preference for crew 
member, crew leader or both (preferably by email), to:

Scott Bearer, Ph.D.
The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania
220 West Fourth Street
3rd Floor, Community Arts Center
Williamsport, PA 17701
[EMAIL PROTECTED]  Please include job title in subject line of email.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Kelly Chinners Reiss]

What about Living Downstream: A Scientist's Personal Investigation of 
Cancer and the Environment by Sandra Steingraber.  It is now 10 years 
old, but provides a well written account of toxicity, environmental 
pollution, and the interconnectedness of people and the environment.  I 
can't find my copy to see how well documented the book is, but it was a 
great read.


-Kelly Reiss





  

- Original Message -
From: "Kraemer, George" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:34 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme


Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the opportunity to
reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of environmental
literacy.

I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.

Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came first
to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've missed.  Since
this might be of interest to others, please respond to the list.

GPK
George P. Kraemer
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology
Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)



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[ECOLOG-L] Summer environmental with an ecologic FOLLOW-UP

[Kraemer, George]

I have received 31 suggestions thusfar (I will post the final list).
But I want to clarify the search a little.  

 

When I look at the list I see many great books.  Most of them, however,
probably will not work for freshmen-to-be with a diverse range of
interests (e.g., math, sociology, art history, drama studies).  I loved
Song of the Dodo, but it's a little much for most of the target
audience.  

 

I think fiction is likely to have greater traction with the typical 17
y.o., but maybe there isn't enough out there that meets the requirements
of attention-keeping and environmental message?  

 

Non-fiction could work, if it were something compelling and "relatable"
like Freese's Coal: A Human History, or one of Kurlanksy's or Safina's
books.  

 

Think like a teen-ager... at least about what makes a good read.

 

George P. Kraemer

Associate Professor

Chair, Environmental Studies

Purchase College

914-251-6640 (o)

 



From: Kraemer, George 
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 8:34 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Umd. Edu (ecolog-l@listserv.umd.edu)
Subject: summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

 

Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the
opportunity to reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of
environmental literacy.  

 

I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.  

 

Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came
first to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've
missed.  Since this might be of interest to others, please respond to
the list.  

 

GPK

George P. Kraemer

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology

Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY) 

  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Cary Chevalier]

This may have already been suggested, but in case it hasn’t, I recommend the 
following:

Leopold, Aldo.  1949.  A sand county almanac and sketches here and there.

Oxford University Press.  ISBN: 0-19-505928-x

Constantly in print.  Very inspiring, thought provoking and educational.  I 
carry a beat up copy in my day pack and have read it a million times.



Cheers!

Cary

_
From: Andy Turner [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 12:12 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

I'll add my vote to those in support of Michael Pollan's "Omnivore's 
Dilemma". This is an important piece of work that anyone striving for 
ecological literacy needs to read.

"Study Nature, Not Books" is usually attributed to Louis Agassiz. :)

-Andy

[ECOLOG-L] Fw: Seminar on Analysis of Environmental Data with Machine Learning

[William Silvert]

I received this through the European Society for Ecological Modelling and 
felt it might be of general interest to list members, particularly those 
already in Europe:


You are cordially invited to attend the seminar on

ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA WITH MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
17. - 21. March 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenia

http://www-ai.ijs.si/SasoDzeroski/aep/aep.html

Organized by the Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana,
in cooperation with the Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School
and the University of Nova Gorica

The seminar will give an introduction to selected machine learning methods
as well as illustrative case studies of using these methods to analyse
environmental data.
Applications in the areas of aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, forestry,
environmental epidemiology, and disaster forecasting/relief will be covered 
in

detail.
The participants will learn to use selected machine learning tools
and will have the opportunity for practical work with these tools on real
environmental data.

The seminar is intended for researchers and other professionals
whose work requires the analysis of environmental data
or modeling of ecosystems and ecological processes.
The seminar is intended for an audience with a diverse background,
and has been in the past attended by particpants coming from
the areas of biology, chemistry, environmental science,
and other areas related to ecology and environmental management,
as well as computer science and information technology,
The machine learning methods and tools introduced are applicable to
data analysis problems from different areas of environmental science and
management,
as well as data analysis problems from other areas.

For graduate students of institutions that participate in the ECTS,
including the Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School
and the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Nova Gorica,
the seminar counts as regular coursework.

Contents

  * Machine learning methods and methodology
   o Machine learning, data mining and knowledge discovery
   o Decision trees
   o Classification rules
   o Naive Bayes
   o Nearest neighbor
   o Evaluating classifiers
   o Ensemble methods
   o Feature weighting, ranking, and selection
   o Equation discovery
   o Automated modeling of dynamic systems
  * Application areas
   o Aquatic ecosystems
   o Agriculture
   o Forestry
   o Environmental epidemiology
   o Disater forecasting and relief
  * Case studies of using machine learning to analyse ecological data
   o Modeling algal growth in lakes and lagoons
   o Modeling gene-flow between GM and conventional crops
   o Predicting forest properties using remote sensing data
   o Investigating the effects of mercury on miners
   o Predicting danger of fire in the natural environment
   ... and many more
  * Demonstrations/hands-on exercises/practical work
with a machine learning software package
on real ecological data and individual consultations with lecturers
  * Participant presentations and discussion

Detailed schedule at http://www-ai.ijs.si/SasoDzeroski/aep/mar08sch.txt

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Shelly Thomas]

I haven't seen this one mentioned yet.  It is more ecological than 
conservation-minded.  But it is still the best.  Hopefully it will have your 
students grimacing, crying, and peeing their collective pants.

Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to all Creation
by Olivia Judson

Shelly
   
PS.  Or you could read them excerpts.  Work on your British accent.


> - Original Message -
> From: "Kraemer, George" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: 
> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:34 AM
> Subject: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme
> 
> 
> Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
> broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the opportunity to
> reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of environmental
> literacy.
> 
> I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
> reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
> would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
> discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.
> 
> Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came first
> to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've missed.  Since
> this might be of interest to others, please respond to the list.
> 
> GPK
> George P. Kraemer
> Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology
> Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)

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