This field trip will give ecologists an historical landscape perspective on environmental justice (EJ) in the diverse community of East Austin and the role of grassroots organizing in resolving conflicts for human and wildlife benefit. East Austin is a diverse community; PODER (People Organized in the Defnse of Earth and her Recources will lead the tour thus explaining from the community perspective the effects of past industry on public health and natural resources. Participants will visit both the Holly Street Power Plant and Tank Farm and discuss the connections between urban ecosystems, policy, environmental justice and feedbacks of industry on ecological processes. Of special note is that PODER's success and diligence has lead to shutting their doors. Participants will receive copies of a recent Eastside Environmental Newsletter and an outline for “An Ecologists Guide to Working with Communities”. Allowing ecologists to see and understand urban ecosystems from the perspective of an EJ-impacted community and will be able to connect the critical links of poverty, segregation, and environmental inequity with disproportionate concentrated stressors on coupled human and natural systems. At the conclusion of the trip, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the opportunity to discuss the role of ecologists per the information and tour they just received. Summary Ecologists who are actively seeking an opportunity to inform and relate their expertise to increasing broader impacts will have the opportunity to visit and tour a local community in a setting that has a long history of socio-ecological conflict, to engage with members of that local East Austin community, and network with other professionals.