Walking the talk: Results of a sabbatical experiment to link human passion about lakes with sound ecosystem science

Background/Question/Methods

Humans are passionate about their freshwater resources and the ecosystem services that they provide, such as potable water, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic benefits. In many regions of the US, citizens have organized themselves around maintaining the integrity of freshwater ecosystems through initiation of and participation in lake and watershed associations. These associations often focus on education, outreach and management, thus members are actively engaged in understanding how their focal ecosystems function.They also have perceptions about how these ecosystems are changing over time and with human disturbance.  However, rarely are there strong or direct connections among these citizens groups and researchers, or to information about current knowledge and research results. This observation begs the question: what is the relevant research or data upon which lake associations build their understanding and educational programs, and how do they obtain it? 
Here I discuss the results, as well as the challenges and opportunities, of a sabbatical leave spent “walking-the-talk;” an experiment in understanding how relevant ecological understanding and research can underpin outreach, educational and management activities. The Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA) is a non advocacy, not-for profit outreach and education organization. The LSPA provides teacher training, children’s and citizens’ educational programs, and outreach focused on freshwater ecosystem function to 1000s of students and citizens in New England annually. 

Results/Conclusions During 2004-2005 we set out to identify ways in which science could more effectively underpin outreach and education programs maintained by LSPA and like organizations, and to catalyze ecological synthesis and research. We identified components of human and physical infrastructure that bring relevant science, and scientists of all career stages, to these organizations, through a series of workshops and meetings. We also identified mechanisms for simultaneously bringing the goals, needs and perspectives of these users of ecological information to the scientific community. In addition, we began to document what environmental processes and changes are perceived by citizens to be taking place and whether these perceptions supported by data or current research. 
Throughout the year, new lines of communication and innovation were initiated among diverse groups, student and faculty research (undergraduate and graduate) was catalyzed, a Scientific Advisory Committee was established, a monitoring buoy was developed, and the Lake Sunapee Field Station evolved. The general successes, stalemates and serendipity of promoting understanding and catalyzing collaborations among scientists, students, managers, and educators will be highlighted.