[ECOLOG-L] Wellesley Communicating Science Symposium - April 9 - FREE

[Alden Griffith]

The second annual Communicating Science Symposium at Wellesley College 
will be held on Saturday, April 9.  The symposium is free (with 
breakfast and lunch included!), and the topic this year is: 
Technological Solutions to Climate Change.


This is a wonderful opportunity to hear and participate in discussion on 
how science and technology are communicated to the public and to policy 
makers, and issues surrounding this. How do we ensure effective 
communication of science & technology between academics, the media, 
policymakers, and the public?  Who is responsible for ensuring the 
accurate transmission of science to the public?


* Register for free online at: 
https://sites.google.com/site/wellesleycommsci/home/about *


* Keynote Speaker: Mathew Nisbet *  - An expert in the area of framing 
science for policy-making and the public.  
http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science


Other speakers include: Vernon Asper, Wendy Hessler, Kate Plourd, 
Marcelo Marcena, Greg Watson, Tim Heidel, Dr. Michael Golay, and 
Vladimir Bulovic.


Event presented by Wellesley Energy and Environmental Defense [WEED]

*The schedule:*

8:00 am   Breakfast and registration
9:00 am   Start time
9:15 am   Introductory remarks by Kim Bottomly (President of 
Wellesley College)

9:30-11:00   Keynote speaker: Matthew Nisbet (Professor of Communications)
11:15-12:45  Panel 1 on Alternative Energies Featuring:
 Greg Watson: Senior Advisor for Clean Energy 
Technology
 Tim Heidel: Research Director for MIT's 
"Future of the Electric Grid Study"
 Michael Golay: Professor of nuclear science 
and engineering
 Vladimir Bulovic: Professor of engineering and 
nanotechnology

12:45-1:30   Lunch
1:30-3:00Workshops
3:15-4:45Panel 2 on Communicating Science Featuring:
 Vernon Asper: Professor of ocean and marine 
science
 Wendy Hessler: Science writer at Environmental 
Health Services
 Kate Plourd: Communications Manager of MA 
Clean Energy Center
 Marcelo Mena: Air Quality Manager of CONAMA of 
Chile

4:45-5:00Closing

[ECOLOG-L] Aquatic GIS Training Workshop Announcement

[Jason Knouft]

Aquatic GIS Training Workshop Announcement
GIS Applications in Aquatic Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

An NSF supported three day aquatic GIS training workshop will be offered at
Saint Louis University on June 22-24, 2011 and August 17-19, 2011.  A
general goal of this workshop is to train and establish an interactive group
of researchers and educators applying GIS techniques in aquatic systems. 
Applicants with all levels of GIS experience are welcome; however, the
workshop will be presented for aquatic biologists with little to no
background in GIS techniques.

The tentative schedule of topics includes: 1) basic acquisition and
manipulation of GIS data, 2) GIS data sources for aquatic research, 3)
quantification of species’ habitat use at multiple spatial scales, 4)
species distribution modeling, and 5) development and application of
hydrologic data to studies of aquatic systems.  More details on the specific
schedule will be provided in the near future.  The majority of the training
will be conducted using ArcGIS 10.0; however, other software options will be
presented.  Computer space will be provided for each attendee.

The workshop is open to Faculty, Research Scientists, Postdoctoral
Researchers, and Graduate Students conducting research in aquatic systems. 
There is no cost for the workshop; however, participants will be responsible
for meals, travel, and lodging.  Details and updates will be available at
http://pages.slu.edu/faculty/jknouft/index_files/Page304.htm.

To apply, please email a statement of application including a description of
your research interests (maximum 1 page) and a CV to Dr. Jason Knouft at
aquatic...@slu.edu.  Review of applications will begin on April 30, 2011. 
GIS experience is not a prerequisite for the workshop.  A total of 20 spots
are available for each workshop.  Please indicate the dates you would like
to attend (June 22-24 or August 17-19).  If you are available for both dates
(one or the other), please indicate this in your application.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] how to grind up A LOT of leaf litter?

[malcolm McCallum]

Go to your college's Ag major and see if they have a feed grinder for
livestock.
If you don't have a dept or a feed grinder, you might contact a local
tractor dealer and
ask if they will let you use one, either on a short term rental or lease, or
if they would
donate the lease-rental fee to the university which they could then deduct
from their taxes.
If you know a livestock farmer, they may have one.  Also, the local coop or
feed dealer
who does custom feeds should have a feed grinder.

Malcolm

On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 9:06 AM, Aaron Stoler  wrote:

> I need to grind up a very large quantity of leaf litter, varying in
> toughness and size, for nutrient analysis.  For smaller amounts, I
> typically use a Wiley Mill, but for the amount that I need to grind,
> this is entirely impractical.  I am not very concerned with consistency
> of the grind, but I would like to get it down to a ground somewhere in
> the range of coffee grounds.  Does anyone have suggestions?
>
> Thank you,
> Aaron Stoler
>
> --
> University of Pittsburgh Department of Biology
> 101 Clapp Hall
> Pittsburgh PA 15260
> 410.365.7700 (cell)
> 412.624.4458 (office)
> ab...@pitt.edu
> www.pitt.edu/~abs45/index.html
>



-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum
Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology

"Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan
Nation

1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea"  W.S. Gilbert
1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
  MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.

[ECOLOG-L] 2011 volume of The Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology now available

[Rick Ostfeld]

Dear colleagues,

The 2011 volume of The Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology (TYIECOB) has 
just been published.  For the next thirty days all articles are available with 
open, free access at this url: The Year in Ecology and Conversation 
Biology
 or http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./nyas.2011.1223.issue-1/issuetoc 
.  Please also see the three previous volumes at (2010) 
http://www.nyas.org/publications/annals/Detail.aspx?cid=6a5e940b-e733-42e4-a41e-967f34be610d;
 (2009) 
http://www.nyas.org/publications/Annals/Detail.aspx?cid=80582296-ba48-438b-8635-9caaf9efba67;
 and (2008) 
http://www.nyas.org/Publications/Annals/Detail.aspx?cid=696a93d1-9024-4c95-8d17-5e2b82bbf8bd.

Rick Ostfeld

*
Richard S. Ostfeld, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Box AB, 2801 Sharon Turnpike
Millbrook, NY 12545 USA

845 677-7600, ext 136

rostf...@caryinstitute.org
http://ecostudies.org/people_sci_ostfeld.html

New book: LYME DISEASE: THE ECOLOGY OF A COMPLEX SYSTEM, Oxford University 
Press, 2011
http://www.amazon.com/Lyme-Disease-Ecology-Complex-System/dp/0195388127/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296525807&sr=1-1

*

[ECOLOG-L] Hilton Pond 03/01/11 (Belize Hummingbirds)

[Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)]

At long last I've checked my notes and processed my photos and put together the 
third and final write-up about our 2011 Operation RubyThroat hummingbird 
expeditions to the Neotropics--this time to Belize.

The infamous "2011 Hummingbird Jinx" that began in Costa Rica and continued in 
Guatemala followed us to Belize, but we still had a productive, educational, 
and enjoyable nine-day stay at Crooked Tree Sanctuary. We caught lots of 
colorful birds and banded many migrants while adding to our knowledge base abut 
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on their wintering grounds.

Please note that we're already taking registrations for a November 2011 
expedition to Costa Rica, in addition to trips to Belize, Costa Rica, and 
Nicaragua in January-March 2012.

For a look at the latest photo essay--including a gallery of flora and fauna 
seen in Belize--visit the 1-12 March 2011 installment of "This Week at Hilton 
Pond" at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek110301.html

Happy (Neotropical) Nature Watching!

BILL

=

RESEARCH PROGRAM
c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA
office & cell (803) 684-5852
fax (803) 684-0255

Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net):
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org 
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org

==

Re: [ECOLOG-L] how to grind up A LOT of leaf litter?

[Elly Best]

Aaron,

I have used in the past the following for relatively large quantities of 
dry plant material: it works pretty good and fast: a Cyclone Mill (UDY 
Corp., Fort Collins, CO) to pass a 1-mm screen. Works for total n and P.

Elly

Elly P.H.Best, Ph.D.
Senior Research Ecologist
NRMRL, Water Supply and Water Resources Div.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 W Martin Luther King Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Ph: 513-569-7517
FAX: 513-569-7185
Email: best.e...@epa.gov



From:
Aaron Stoler 
To:
ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Date:
03/31/2011 01:08 PM
Subject:
[ECOLOG-L] how to grind up A LOT of leaf litter?



I need to grind up a very large quantity of leaf litter, varying in 
toughness and size, for nutrient analysis.  For smaller amounts, I 
typically use a Wiley Mill, but for the amount that I need to grind, 
this is entirely impractical.  I am not very concerned with consistency 
of the grind, but I would like to get it down to a ground somewhere in 
the range of coffee grounds.  Does anyone have suggestions?

Thank you,
Aaron Stoler

-- 
University of Pittsburgh Department of Biology
101 Clapp Hall 
Pittsburgh PA 15260 
410.365.7700 (cell) 
412.624.4458 (office) 
ab...@pitt.edu 
www.pitt.edu/~abs45/index.html 

[ECOLOG-L] Track phenology with USA-NPN’s Nature’s Notebook

[Erin Posthumus]

Track phenology with USA-NPN’s Nature’s Notebook

The USA National Phenology Network’s Nature’s Notebook program engages 
observers across the nation in collecting phenology data on hundreds of plants 
and animals, including timing of nesting, pollination, blooming, and other 
life cycle events.  Nature’s Notebook, a national plant and animal phenology 
observation program, is appropriate for scientists and non-scientists alike.  
Observations follow scientifically rigorous protocols, are entered in the 
national phenology database maintained by the USA National Phenology Network 
(USA-NPN), and are made freely available for query, visualization, and 
download on the USA-NPN website.  You can participate in Nature’s Notebook as 
a partner or individual, go to www.usanpn.org /participate to learn more. 

[ECOLOG-L] small grants for non-students?

[Hayley Kilroy]

Does anyone know of any small grants that would fund research or
international travel for research for someone who is not a student?  I have
recently finished my master's and am in the awkward "in between" stage where
I don't qualify for student grants but don't yet qualify for early career
grants, either.


-- 


*Pressed Flower Necklaces:*
*botanicalbling.etsy.com* 
*
*
*My Poetic Computer Program:*
*Poesytron575.blogspot.com* 

[ECOLOG-L] how to grind up A LOT of leaf litter?

[Aaron Stoler]

I need to grind up a very large quantity of leaf litter, varying in 
toughness and size, for nutrient analysis.  For smaller amounts, I 
typically use a Wiley Mill, but for the amount that I need to grind, 
this is entirely impractical.  I am not very concerned with consistency 
of the grind, but I would like to get it down to a ground somewhere in 
the range of coffee grounds.  Does anyone have suggestions?

Thank you,
Aaron Stoler

-- 
University of Pittsburgh Department of Biology
101 Clapp Hall 
Pittsburgh PA 15260 
410.365.7700 (cell) 
412.624.4458 (office) 
ab...@pitt.edu 
www.pitt.edu/~abs45/index.html 

[ECOLOG-L] Faculty position in Environmental Science LaGuardia Community College, NYC

[D P Wijesinghe]

Applications for the following position must be submitted online (see
below). Closing date May 17, 2011.

Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor - Environmental Science
Job ID: 4075
Location: LaGuardia Community College
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

GENERAL DUTIES
Performs teaching, research, and guidance duties in area(s) of expertise as
noted below. Shares responsibility for committee and department assignments,
performing administrative, supervisory, and other functions as may be assigned.

FLSA
Exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
LaGuardia Community College, located in the western part of the Borough of
Queens in New York City, is justly known as the World's Community College
and prides itself in the quality of its faculty and staff and the diversity
of its students. The College's Environmental Science Program is one of two
new programs based in the Department of Natural Sciences.

The Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia Community College, seeks to
fill a tenure-track faculty position in the field of Environmental Science
at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. This position is
anticipated to begin in September 2011. The successful candidate will be
expected to teach courses in environmental science, ecology and general
biology, and direct the Environmental Science Program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. degree in area(s) of expertise, or equivalent as noted below. Also
required are the ability to teach successfully, interest in productive
scholarship or creative achievement, and ability to cooperate with others
for the good of the institution.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will have a background in biology and a Ph.D.
degree in Environmental Science or Ecology with relevant postdoctoral
experience. He/she will also have experience teaching a diverse
undergraduate student population. A strong commitment to teaching, excellent
written and oral communication skills, and the ability to establish an
active research program and engage students in research are expected.

In addition to the qualifications and experience specified above familiarity
with geographic information system (GIS) techniques and software will be an
advantage.

COMPENSATION
Commensurate with experience and academic accomplishment.
Assistant Professor: $42,873 - $74,133
Associate Professor: $55,602 - $88,418

BENEFITS
CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible
dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered
pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a
weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits.
Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, log on to: www.cuny.edu. Click on "Employment" and scroll down to
"Application for Employment." Click on "Apply for a job online: Job Posting
on CUNYfirst" and search for the job posting.

Current users of the site should access their established accounts; new
users should click the appropriate link to register. Applications must be
submitted through CUNYfirst. Applicants must upload one document which
includes cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and educational philosophy.

For detailed instructions on how to apply online please see:
http://www.cuny.edu/emplo yment/cunyfirst/CUNYfirst-application.html

CLOSING DATE
5/17/11

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Faculty
Application Information
Contact: LaGuardia Community College
Online App. Form:
http://www.cuny.edu/employment/cunyfirst/CUNYfirst-application.html

[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Educator- Galena Creek Visitors Center

[Bridget Walden]

Description: 
The Environmental Educator will be primarily responsible for collaborating
with GCVC Environmental Education Coordinator on the development and
implementation of interpretive and educational programs that focus on the
Galena Creek vicinity, Mount Rose corridor and the Great Basin. The two
predominant areas of environmental education at the Visitor Center include:
1. On-site and school-based environmental workshops for K-12th grades and 2.
Great Basin Naturalists, an outdoor summer youth nature camp for 8—12 year
olds based in Galena Creek Recreation Area and Regional park. 

This position will serve as an AmeriCorps member with the Great Basin
Institute and will work collaboratively with the US Forest Service and
Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space. This is an excellent opportunity
to gain experience in environmental and cultural interpretation, curriculum
development and  visitor center operations while serving at one of the
regions premiere visitor destinations. 

Compensation:
This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a living stipend
of $9,300 for the season. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid
to members bi-monthly throughout the term of service. Upon completion of
AmeriCorps service, members shall receive an additional education award in
the amount of $2,675 that can be used for paying off student loans, or
paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.

Timeline: April 18, 2011 - October 15, 2011

Duties:
- Assist Environmental Education Coordinator with implementation of  Great
Basin Naturalists Environmental curriculum about the natural, geological and
cultural history of the vicinity for on-site and school-based programs for
K– high school groups;
- Assist Environmental Education Coordinator with implementation of  Great
Basin Naturalists, Galena Creek Field Research & Monitoring projects for
high school students;
- Co-coordinate the Great Basin Naturalists summer camp, assist with
training, prepare materials, implement curriculum,  and ensure the success
and safety of the 2011 summer camp;
- Assist with the development and implementation of a summer camp
counselor-in-training program for youth.;
- May be required to staff the information desk at the Galena Creek Visitor
Center to answer phone and in-person inquiries, open and close the visitor
center, provide daily center upkeep, operate the gift store register, and
provide a high level of customer service to visitors;

Qualifications:
- Experience developing and implementing environmental-based curriculum in a
group setting.
- Experience interacting with children of all ages and the public in a
customer service capacity; park and/or visitor center experience is desirable;
- Knowledge of the natural history of the Reno-Lake Tahoe area highly desirable;
- Minimum of two years’ experience with environmental program development,
nature-based field instruction, and community outreach.
- Bachelor’s Degree in biology, resources management, or environmental
disciplines desired.
- Experience implementing education and outreach programs, desirable but not
required;
- Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented;
- Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities;
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of
forums;
- Ability to speak English conversationally;  conversational ability in -
Spanish desirable but not required;
- Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments;
- Must be able to work holidays;
- Possess clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and

AmeriCorps Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be over 18 years of age and a US citizen that has
received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are
conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex
Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be
eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a
lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards). 

To Apply:
Step 1: Click here https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=39535
Step 2: Click “Apply” then register.
Step 3: Once registered login and complete the application.
Step 4: Click the “Search Listings” link and search under  ‘Environment’ and
‘NV’.
Step 5: Click on the position then hit the “Apply Now” button at the bottom
of the listing. 

Please direct all questions regarding the application process to Bridget
Walden at bwal...@gbinstitute.org or 775-674-5496

These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from Nevada
Volunteers. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color,
national origin, disability, age, or sex. Person with disabilities are
encouraged to apply. NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

[ECOLOG-L] RIO Program (Panama) for students, recent grads!

[Julie Ray, La MICA Biological Station]

La MICA Biological Station, located in El Copé, Coclé province, Republic of 
Panama , announces its RIO (Research and Inventory Opportunities) Program!
 
The RIO program is geared towards undergraduates and recent graduates looking 
to gain research and practical experience in the tropical forest as an 
internship or otherwise. Each participant visits La MICA Biological Station to 
conduct a project at the Station, in a local community, or in Omar Torrijos 
National Park . Participants are encouraged to assist at the Station and 
interact with the local people. Projects are not restricted to biology, but 
also may focus on local culture or history, geography, traditional medicine, 
immersion Spanish, art, etc.
 
RIO Program participants cover their own airfare and pay a minimal charge each 
week for this amazing experience. We are excited to work with university 
internship programs to ensure that students can receive credit as desired.
 
Positions are available year round. We currently are accepting applications for 
summer break and beyond. Please email us at la.m...@yahoo.com (with a subject 
line “RIO Program”) for an information packet and application. We look forward 
to your visit!


Thank you!
Julie




Julie M. Ray, MSc, PhD
Director
La MICA Biological Station
La Montaña para Investigación y Conservación Ambiental

El Cope-La Pintada. Provincia de Cocle. Republica de Panama
Amigos Support La MICA. c/o Julie Ray, 12458 132nd Street, Chippewa Fall,s WI 
54729
Fundación Centro de Investigación Biológica El Copé, S.A. (Panama)
telephone: 011-507-6707-8900
www.lamica.org
la.m...@yahoo.com
Amigos Support La MICA is a project of International Humanities Center, a 501c3 
nonprofit organization.

[ECOLOG-L] post doc position available

[Cindy Buschena]

Position Description – Research Associate

Department of Forest Resources



Researcher sought with expertise and interest in impacts of global change on
plant communities and ecosystem processes.

* *

*Availability*:   May 1, 2011.  The position is funded for at least two
years and located in St. Paul, MN.



*Requirements:*  Ph.D. in forest ecology, forestry, ecosystem ecology,
ecophysiology or a closely related field, experience with plant
identification, as well as a strong work ethic, demonstrated quantitative
capabilities, and a proven ability to work independently.



*Expertise and experience*:   Global change biology, invasion biology,
ecophysiology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, or other relevant area.



Main responsibilities will be in a new field project assessing the links
between forest attributes and plant invasion.  The goal of the research is
to better understand whether forest characteristics, especially those
amenable to management, can be effective deterrents to plant invasion. We
will establish a large number of forest study sites in Minnesota and assess
invasive plant species and a set of key indicators relevant to invasion,
including disturbance history; tree canopy cover; native plant diversity;
light and soil resources; native and non-native biotic agents; and other
factors that may be important.  We will determine the links between these
attributes and plant invasion, and attempt to discern cause and
effect.  Results
will be presented in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, but the
project will also develop guidelines for forest management to resist
invasion.



The secondary responsibilities of the post-doc will involve engagement in
existing research.  As part of the activities in the Reich laboratory there
are ongoing studies and associated data sets reflecting plant and ecosystem
responses to experimental manipulations of atmospheric CO2 levels, N
deposition, biodiversity, water, temperature, and fire, as well as to
natural disturbances involving windstorms and wildfires.  The studies
include BioCON (a 13-year experiment in perennial grasslands of CO2, N, and
biodiversity, as well as a 4-year study of CO2, N, and water availability;
http://www.biocon.umn.edu/), the Cedar Creek fire frequency project (a
55-year experiment with fire frequency in oak woodland;
http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/oak%20savanna.html), B4WarmED (a 2-year
study in boreal forest of open-air warming;
http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/B4WARMED.html), and several linked
observational studies of wildfire and windstorm disturbances in southern
boreal forest.  The postdoc will analyze data from one or more of these
projects to address important questions not previously examined.



The combination of the two assignments is geared towards advancing the
scientific training and career potential of the successful applicant.  The
new field study will require at least a field season, and perhaps longer,
generating data suitable to craft scientific publications.  In contrast,
data from the existing projects are available now for analyses and
publication preparation.  So while the new project is developing, the
postdoc will be able to work on data analyses and publication
preparation.  Hence,
during the postdoc position, he/she will be able to engage in both initial
and latter stages of research, and be able to further develop their
scientific publication record without the long delay that field ecology
often entails.



*Application Instructions*:   Applications and required documents must be
submitted online at the University of Minnesota Employment website:
https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=466607
 Application should include a cover letter, statement of interest and goals,
resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references.
Applications
will be accepted until the position is filled.  Questions can be directed to
Dr. Peter Reich (pre...@umn.edu, 612/624-4270).



*As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity,
the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is committed
to hiring a diverse faculty and staff, and actively encourages candidates
from historically underrepresented groups to apply.  *