The emerging Ecological Reflections network of sites and programs

Background/Question/Methods

NSF’s Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network was designed to support a multidisciplinary approach to addressing long-term questions in a wide variety of biomes in North America and beyond. In accordance with this multidisciplinary approach, a number of LTER sites support collaborations between scientists, humanists, and artists.  These projects explore the past, present and future scenarios of land use and environmental change. The outcomes educate and inspire broad audiences to have a deeper understanding of the natural world and, perhaps, provide for wise decisions in a time of significant ecological change.  These programs have taken different forms: the Bonanza Creek site program emphasizes performance, North Temperate Lakes emphasizes visual arts, and Andrews Forest emphasizes creative writing.  These regionally distinctive programs share sufficient common ingredients (e.g., long-term, place-based inquiry; archiving, outreach and public engagement) to have inspired the creation of a network of such programs.  The “Ecological Reflections” network was thus formed to advance individual site interests, foster communications, and encourage future collaborations among sites.

Results/Conclusions

The “Ecological Reflections Network” has encouraged development of new programs (and brought together existing programs) that foster collaborations among the sciences, arts, and humanities in more than a dozen of the twenty-six LTER sites. Programs include environmental history studies, environmental philosophy gatherings, plein-air painting workshops, mixed-media performances, writing residencies, and more. The network encourages the sharing of ideas, information, and expertise regarding successful approaches to public engagement, guidance during the initial stages of program development, and methodologies for archiving creative works. It also explores the potential for shared sources of long-term funding to which participating institutions and artists could apply. This network is not restricted to LTER sites—an  an artist community—the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology—and a non-profit natural history institute—the North Cascades Institute—are developing “Ecological Reflections” programs. The latter is especially exciting as they will attempt to partner with the National Park Service, which is but one of many potential affiliate institutions and agencies. The network is actively seeking to expand. Any community or site suitable for setting off on a long-term path of inquiry, with accessible scientific programs and/or legacy, a commitment to an informed engagement with a particular place, and a capacity to archive and share products of the work is invited to join. More information on the network, including its mission, history, and individual site information, can be found at www.ecologicalreflections.com.