Ecological Drought can be defined as a prolonged and widespread deficit in naturally available water supplies that creates multiple stresses across ecosystems.  As global temperatures continue to rise, the intensity and frequency of such ecological droughts in North America may increase leading to a wide range of social and ecological impacts. Furthermore, the type and magnitude of drought impacts are likely to vary substantially in different ecosystems (e.g. forests, shrublands, and grasslands), yet there are few opportunities for ecologists working in these systems to interact and share data/ideas. This special session will summarize an ongoing effort by the Science for Nature and People (SNAP) Working Group focused on synthesizing Ecological Drought research and provide an opportunity for ecologists working in different ecosystems to interact and contribute to the SNAP Working Group.  This goal will be accomplished through a two-part special session.  Part 1 involves a summary of the SNAP Working Group synthesis, followed by invited talks from leading experts in the field.  Speakers will focus on various aspects of Ecological Drought, including: Drought-related impacts across a range of ecosystem types - from forests to shrublands to grasslands; Interactions between drought and other ecological processes (e.g., fire); and Drought impacts to ecosystem services and other human-related systems.  Part 2 will involve an interactive, guided process to encourage participants to weigh in on the topics raised by the presenters and help identify key meta-analysis opportunities for the emerging field of Ecological Drought.