Past Field Trips
Alberta, Canada: University of Calgary Marine Institute (BGI). SEEDS National Field Trip – October 2024
Highlighting Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at Kananaskis Valley, Calgary, Alberta.
From October 2-6, ESA-SEEDS welcomed 18 students from 17 different institutions across the country to join our SEEDS International Field Trip. The University of Calgary Biogeoscience Institute (BGI) hosted SEEDS at the Barrier Lake Station in Kananaskis, Alberta at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. The research at BGI includes animal ecology and wildlife conservation biology, wildlife disease interactions, forestry, ecohydrology, watersheds, and more. Students had the opportunity to learn about various ecosystems, this included a terrestrial forestry tour for tree sampling, aquatics tour to Bow River Basin, analyzing specimens in a lab, a career panel of scientists and graduate students, and a visit to the local Kananaskis Valley while enjoying the beauty of the Canadian Rockies! Students also spent a day working in teams to conduct their own research projects and present their work to their peers.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Georgia: University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI). SEEDS National Field Trip – April 2024
Highlighting coastal ecosystems at Sapelo Island, GA.
From April 25-28, ESA-SEEDS welcomed 22 students from 20 different institutions across the country to join our SEEDS National Field Trip at Sapelo Island, Georgia. The University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) in partnership with the Long-Term Ecological Research Network offers access to protected barrier island habitats, including salt, marshes, beaches, maritime forests, tidal creeks and estuaries. Our participants took part in exploring these ecosystems, learned about the cultural significance of the Geechee people, enjoyed the research station, and even conducted their own research projects and presented their work to their peers.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Arizona: DRLC. SEEDS Regional Field Trip – February 2024
Highlighting the Desert Research Learning Center in Tucson, AZ.
From February 22-25, 2024, the ESA SEEDS program hosted 10 undergraduate students on a field trip to the Desert Research Learning Center (DRLC) in Tucson, AZ. The DRLC is hosted at the Saguaro National Park along with the Sonoran Desert Network. Students explored the unique landscape of southeastern Arizona and learned about animal monitoring collection, sustainable practices and native horticulture, as well as ongoing agave research, and fascinating biocrust!
Supported by the National Park Service.
Texas: Rice University. SEEDS National Field Trip – October 2023
Highlighting Urban Ecology in Houston, TX
ESA SEEDS hosted a National Field Trip at Rice University in Houston with the Black Ecologists Section and the Environmental Justice Section from October 20-24. We had 21 amazing students from all over the US join us in Houston to learn about Urban Ecology. The participants had the opportunity to conduct research, comparing two urban neighborhoods, while learning about the complicated ecosystems of cities. Thank you to leaders of the ESA Black Ecologists Section for helping us put this event together!
Michigan: Kellogg Biological Field Station. SEEDS National Field Trip – April 2023
Highlighting the Kellogg Biological Field Station in Hickory Corners, MI
On April 28-30th, SEEDS held a fieldtrip to the Kellogg Biological Field Station in Hickory Corners, MI. We had 20 diverse undergraduate students from around the country, from Puerto Rico to California, attend the trip and explored their future in ecology, particularly agroecology. Our program highlighted an early career panel, exploration of the LTER site, speaking with local urban farmers, and a tour of a robotic dairy farm. The fieldtrip culminated in an exercise where students designed a short field study, collected and analyzed data, and delivered their presentations.
California: Point Reyes National Seashore. SEEDS Regional Trip – March 2023
Highlighting the Point Reyes National Seashore in California
From March 9-12, 2023, the SEEDS hosted a Regional Field Trip at the Point Reyes National Seashore in California with 11 participants joining from 5 Bay Area Chapters. Thanks to our partners at the National Park Service and its Regional Learning Centers for hosting this event. Our participants explored the unique environments surrounding the Point Reyes Peninsula from tidal pools to mist-netting for birds, learning about sea otters, algae, and hiking in the rain – plus more!
Supported by the National Park Service
New Hampshire: Hubbard Brook LTER. SEEDS National Field Trip – October 2022
Highlighting the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest and LTER in Woodstock, NH
The SEEDS program sponsored 18 undergraduate students from all over the US to join us exploring the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest and LTER on October 27-30, 2022. Students were able to learn about the history, research, and forest communities within this USDA and LTER research station. Scientists talked about their careers and shared their stories about research and experiences in ecology. Our students were able to see firsthand the effects of invasive species and climate change and how these are changing the composition of NE forests.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
New Mexico: Sevilleta Field Station. SEEDS Regional Field Trip – April 2022
Highlighting the Sevilleta Field Station and LTER in La Joya, NM
We hosted our second SEEDS Regional Field Trip this academic year in the Sevilleta Research Station and Long Term Ecological Research Site from April 21 – April 24, 2022. The station is positioned at the intersection of several major biotic zones: Chihuahuan Desert grassland and shrubland to the south, Great Plains grassland to the north, Piñon-Juniper woodland in the upper elevations of the neighboring mountains, Colorado Plateau shrub-steppe to the west, and riparian vegetation along the middle Rio Grande Valley. This convergence of biomes has created an important research area for geology, hydrology, archeology, atmospheric science, biology, and ecology for many decades. The group consisted of 4 students from Fort Lewis College, 1 student from University of Texas El Paso, and 4 SEEDS Partnerships for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) fellows. Students developed and presented their unique ecological research projects, as well as exploring multiple Sevilleta LTER projects and the Abó – Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.
Supported by a donation from Ms. Vicki Moore.
Puerto Rico: NEON. SEEDS Regional Field Trip – March 2022
Highlighting the National Ecological Observatory Network in Guanica, PR.
The first in-person event for SEEDS since 2019. The one day field trip took place on March 22 with colleagues from National Ecological Observatory Network at the Guánica Dry Forest and hosting 12 students from 3 different ESA-SEEDS chapters: L.I.F.E. — UPR Bayamon, EOS- SEEDS — UPR Humacao, and LEWE-AEB — UPR Mayagüez. The day started with a workshop learning about NEON and how their data can be accessed and used, and then we visited one of their data towers in the afternoon. Participants had the opportunity to interact with NEON staff and technicians and explore this unique ecosystem they are studying as part of the bigger observatory network.
Supported by a donation from Ms. Vicki Moore.
Utah: CRC. Regional Field Trip – April 2019
Highlighting the Canyonlands Research Center in Monticello, UT.
From April 25-29, 2019, the ESA SEEDS – Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability – program sponsored 10 undergraduate students on a field trip to the Canyonlands Research Center (CRC) in Monticello, Utah run by The Nature Conservancy. The CRC is hosted at the Dugout Ranch, a working cattle ranch within the Bears Ears National Monument and, right at the entrance of Canyonlands National Park – Needles District. From this amazing location, students ventured into the unique landscape of southeastern Utah and the Colorado Plateau, and explored its rapid change in response to climate change on the availability of water and the sustainability of livelihood through ranching in the area. Scientists from a broad array of sectors, positions and career stages engaged in a lively career discussion.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Texas: Llano River. National Field Trip – October 2018
Highlighting the Llano River Field Station in Junction, TX.
On October 25-28, 2018 the SEEDS program hosted the second Henry L. Gholz National Field Trip to the Llano River Field Station in Junction, Texas – managed by Texas Tech University. We had 18 undergraduate students all over the US and PR participate in this unique experience at one of the coolest location in the hill country of Texas. Llano River Field Station is an amazing research station and campus with the main focus of studying Texas watersheds and wildlife. The students participated in workshops and presentations from faculty members, state employees and non-profit organizers, as well as research staff, talking about all the exciting projects that takes place at the station – from invasive ungulates to black bears and watershed ecology. The Llano River Field Station had one more surprise for us before our arrival – two major flooding events occurred before our arrival leading to amazing discussions about these rare, but now more common events.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
California: Scripps. National Field Trip – April 2018
Highlighting the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, CA.
On April 26-29, 2018 the SEEDS program hosted the very first Henry L. Gholz National Field Trip to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in sunny San Diego, California. We had 20 undergraduate students and two SEEDS alumni from all over the US and PR participate in this unique experience at one of the world’s leading ocean research stations. Scripps is a world class research station with ties to the University of California San Diego campus. The students participated in workshops and presentations from graduate students to faculty members and research staff, talking about all the cool projects that takes place at Scripps – from coastal marine ecosystems to parasite ecology, Scripps is a truly special place for marine ecological research!
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about this field trip, read the field trip report.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Colorado: RMBL. National Field Trip – September 2017
Highlighting the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, CO.
On September 7-10, 2017 the SEEDS program hosted a National Field Trip to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) in Gothic, CO at 9,500 feet above sea level! We had 17 undergraduate students and one SEEDS alumni from all over the US and PR participate in this unique experience at one of the worlds leading research stations. RMBL boasts decades of snow data – this is really helpful for its scientist to study climate change, something all the students were fascinated about. We had workshops and presentations from graduate students to senior faculty members, talking about all the research that takes place at RMBL – from amazing pollinator/flower interactions to cute marmots. RMBL is a truly special place for ecological research!
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Florida: Whitney Lab. Regional Field Trip – November 2016
Whitney Lab for Marine BioScience in St. Augustine, Florida
From Nov 3-6, 2016, 17 students from five institutions participated in a regional field trip to the Whitney Lab for Marine BioScience in St. Augustine and the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Ponte Vendra, FL. Students came from Bethune-Cookman University, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and University of Florida. Additionally, two SEEDS graduate student alumni and FAMU faculty adviser, Dr. Richard Gragg also accompanied the students. Students had an amazing experience learning about the oysters, the shore birds and the benthic diversity at Whitney Lab. We then went wading into the salt marshes to harvest Spartina which is being used to in restoration efforts to stem shoreline erosion. We are grateful to Andrea and Brandon Noel for pulling together the field trip program.
Partial support for this field trip came from The Curtis & Edith Munson Foundation.
Montana: Flathead Lake Biological Station. National Field Trip – October 2016
Highlighting the Flathead Lake Biological Station and Glacier National Park.
We hosted a National Field Trip to Flathead Lake Biological Station, managed by the University of Montana in Polson, Montana from September 29 – October 2, 2016. SEEDS sponsored 18 undergraduate and one SEEDS alumni to participate in this unique opportunity. With the help from Jim and Monica Elser, and the rest of the FLBS staff, students learned about the science fields of limnology and ecology. They participated in field research exercises collecting zooplankton samples at the lake and learned about the vertical migration of these organisms. They also had the opportunity to visit Glacier National Park where they learned about the glacier waters and the rapidly changing environment due to climate change.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Missouri: Mark Twain National Forest. National Field Trip – May 2016
Highlighting the USDA Forest Service and the Mark Twain National Forest.
This national field trip was hosted in part by the US Forest Service at the Mark Twain National Forest in Rolla, Missouri from May 19-22, 2016. With help from Marla Collins, SEEDS Alumna and now Tribal Relations Specialist for the USDA Forest Service at the MTNF and Natalia Lopez, SEEDS Alumna and graduate student at Hampton University, we hosted 18 undergraduate students from all over the United States, to explore the amazing ecology of the Ozarks. From caves to forestry science, students experienced many careers related to managing over 1.5 million acres of land. Participants conducted herpetology surveys, learned about cave ecology and bat conservation, visited a stream restoration project and even got to conduct their own forestry data collection comparing short leaf pine growth between different forestry practices. It was an unforgettable weekend for all of our students!
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Florida: Archbold Biological Station. Regional Field Trip – November 2015
Highlighting the Archbold Biological Station research.
This regional field trip was hosted at the Archbold Biological Station in Venus, FL from November 12-15, 2015. Participants were nestled amidst a preserve of globally imperiled Florida scrub habitat to encounter rare species, endemic plants, reptiles and scrub bugs and a swamp buggy tour of Archbold’s working cattle ranch. Students also participated in a new Archbold research project addressing the factors affecting the production of acorns/oak galls in scrub oaks. And to top it all off, a panel of professionals across various sectors discussing career possibilities and fun at Lake Annie, around a campfire.
Partial support for this field trip came from The Curtis & Edith Munson Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Oregon: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. National Field Trip – October 2015
Highlighting the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and LTER research.
The 2015 SEEDS National Field Trip from October 1-4, 2015! We had 16 students from 15 different institutions from all across the US attend the 2015 SEEDS National Field Trip! We visited H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in Blue River, OR. Students had the opportunity to explore old growth forests and learn about their importance, they hiked to the top of Carpenter Mountain (5,500 ft.) and developed 3 small research projects that looked at forest restoration, hydrology and stream ecology!
This trip is possible thanks to the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about this field trip, read the field trip report.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
California: San Francisco Bay Area. Regional Field Trip – March 2015
Highlighting the Research Stations around the San Francisco Bay area.
The SEEDS program just hosted its fourth Regional Field Trip! 16 students from all four SEEDS Chapters (Stanford University, San Jose State University, University of California Berkeley, and University of California Davis) in the San Francisco Bay Area joined us for an unforgettable weekend in the hills of Los Altos, CA. With the help of the Stanford SEEDS Chapter, our participants had the opportunity to visit and interact with scientist, educators and graduate students at Hopkins Marine Station, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the California Academy of Sciences, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and other cool spots along the way.
This trip is possible thanks to the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
To learn more about this field trip, read the field trip report.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Arizona: Central Arizona-Phoenix LTER. Regional Field Trip – November 2014
Check out the fantastic digital journal of this cool trip:
https://storify.com/JorgeRH2O/seeds-caplter-2014-field-trip
SEEDS chapter students from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico attended a field trip to the beautiful and sunny Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Research (CAP-LTER) program. The CAP-LTER is run by Arizona State University and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability.
The CAP LTER program advances research and education on urban ecology and urban socio ecological systems. It is one of two LTER sitesfunded by the National Science Foundation that specifically studies urban ecology. The field trip focused on water usage (the site averages seven inches of rainfall a year!) and sustainability practices.
This trip is possible thanks to the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
To learn more about this field trip, read the field trip report.
Pictures from this trip are available on the ESA-SEEDS Facebook page.
Wisconsin: Trout Lake LTER. National Field Trip – May 2014
Highlighting the Trout Lake Long Term Ecological Research Station
The 2014 SEEDS 
National Field Trip was held May 8-11 at the Trout Lake Station managed by the Center for Limnology of the University of Wisconsin in Boulder Junction, WI. With over 2,500 lakes surrounding the station, it is the perfect location to study fresh water ecosystems and the interesting interactions between them. 19 students from all across the United States and Puerto Rico joined Fred Abbott, ESA Diversity Programs Coordinator and Jorge Ramos, SEEDS alum, for the four day adventure. Students were able to experience the thawing of Trout Lake after the long winter and see the start of the new season. They toured a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Hatchery, visited the Lac du Flambeau Museum and Cultural Center and even had the opportunity to see how the WDNR conducts its yearly fish surveys. With the help of Dr. Tim Kratz, Director of Trout Lake Station, and Dr. Noah Lotting, Research Scientist, students were given a wide range of information about all the cool projects that are conducted at the station.
To learn more about this field trip, read the field trip report.
Virginia: Mountain Lake LTER. Regional Field Trip – May 2014
Highlighting the Mountain Lake Biological Station LTER
Twelve students – four freshmen, six s
ophomores and two seniors from three Historically Black institutions – Coppin State University (Baltimore City), Howard University (Washington, DC) and Hampton University (Virginia) as well as the University of Maryland participated in the SEEDS Regional field trip from May 22-25, 2014 at the Mountain Lake Biological Station. Faculty advisers from Coppin State – Dr. Mintesinot Jiru and Dr. Tatiana Roth also participated, along with Teresa Mourad, ESA Director of Education and Diversity Programs. Nearly all the students had never visited a field station or done any ecological fieldwork prior to this field trip. Working with researchers and graduate students at MLBS, the students learned about the forked fungus beetle and the black-eyed juncos. In small groups, students developed questions related to the aggression behavior of mated and unmated male juncos and investigated the relationship between beetle size, sex and mite load. Students also learned about their own leadership styles and exchanged ideas on possible chapter activities. We also had a lovely hike up the Cascade Falls. Students demonstrated high interest in the interdisciplinary direction that ecology as a field is moving.
This regional field trip was made possible with support from the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about this field trip, read the field trip report.
Puerto Rico: PR Land Trust Sites. Regional Field Trip – October 2013
Highlighting the Puerto Rico Land Trust
A group of 16 SEEDS students from 4 SEEDS Ecology Campus Chapters in Puerto Rico recently completed the first SEEDS Regional Field Trip. The chapters that participated were: Universidad Metripolitana, University of Puerto Rico in Bayamon, UPR in Rio Piedras and UPR in Humacao. For the majority of these student participants it was their first time in the field as undergraduates and working as actual ecologists! Over the course of 4 days students were immersed in a series of activities ranging from archaeological digging and cleaning zoological artifacts, habitat restoration for an endangered species of toad, learning about the culture of Puerto Rico and even a career panel with ecology professionals. Towards the end of the trip participants had the opportunity to design a research project and collect data at the Northeastern Ecological Corridor (a newly designated refuge in Puerto Rico) with the help from Colibri Sanfiorenzo, SEEDS Alumni. They later analyzed their data and presented their small project before an audience of 50 ecologists and other SEEDS chapter members at the closing event.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Cedar Creek, MN – September 2012
Highlighting the Cedar Creek LTER
The 2012 SEEDS Fall Field Trip took place from September 20th to September 23rd, 2012 at the Cedar Creek Long Term Ecological Research site in East Bethel, Minnesota. The SEEDS program supported 25 participants. On this field trip students completed a small research project investigating the effect of long-term prescribed burning of a forest on plant diversity and learned about the research techniques used at the research site. Students also visited a local bird feeder to view endemic During this field trip the group of students had the opportunity to discuss amongst themselves what SEEDS and ESA means to them personally. Students established that within ESA and SEEDS, students are provided the opportunity to be exposed to other scientists, inform each other as scientists, and share with the rest of the world for a better tomorrow. Participants also sat in on a career panel with many ecology professionals and were able to better understand the different elements within an ecology career and were also informed of the struggles involved and hard work needed to succeed in the field of ecology.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Western Grand Canyon, AZ – May 2012
Highlighting Havasupai Nation
The 2012 SEEDS Spring Field Trip took place from May 16th- 20th, 2012 in the Havasupai Nation located in Western Grand Canyon in Flagstaff, Arizona. The SEEDS program supported 17 undergraduate and graduate students as well as 1 alumnus, 1 chapter advisor, and 2 ESA staff members. The emphasis of the field trip was focused on water sustainability of the Colorado River Basin from a cultural and ecological perspective. The field trip exposed participants to all of the organic aspects the Havasupai Nation had to offer. The group explored the environment mostly by foot, hiking over 25 miles, to the Havasu Canyon and encountering waterfalls tall as 200’ at Havasu Falls. The group had the opportunity to learn how culture, history, and deep traditions are intertwined with the water from Havasupai elders from the Tilousi family. Rex Tilousi, a tribal elder, gave sight to the group about how the National Park Service was formed and what that meant for the Havasupai tribal land. Students learned the issue of reclaimed water on their sacred sites, the San Francisco Peaks, and became inspired because of the wisdom given by Tilousi. This field trip taught the participants the importance of speaking out for the plants and animals that do not have a voice on issues such as water sustainability, uranium mining, and climate change in the Havasupai Nation. Meeting Rex Tilousi as well as the other Native American speakers was considered by the group to be a deeply humbling and invigorating opportunity. Towards the end of this enriching experience, the participants had experienced the environment and culture of the Havasupai Nation that empowered them to brainstorm possible solutions addressing the issue of water sustainability in the Colorado River Basin. From this trip, participants saw first handed the importance to promote sustainability on tribal lands.
Supported by the Packard Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
South Central, New Mexico – October 2011
Highlighting the Jornada Basin LTER
The 2011 SEEDS Fall Field Trip took place from October 6 – 9, 2011 in south central New Mexico at the Jornada Experimental Range LTER. The SEEDS program supported 22 undergraduate students from 18 colleges and universities to participate in the fall field trip. The field trip theme was “making science accessible and relevant to society”. The group learned about the unique history of the Jornada LTER with both academic and government interests, which makes the focus of their research applied and connective in nature, informing global arid land management. Students worked in groups to summarize a portion of each day of the field trip. Student groups gave lively presentations of their work on the final evening of the trip, and submitted written summaries which were compiled to create the field trip report found below. Our most memorable moment of this trip may have been the coyotes howling outside our tents each cold desert night.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Southeast, Florida – May 2011
Highlighting the Florida Everglades
The 2011 SEEDS Spring Field Trip took place from May 22nd – 26th, 2011 across southeast Florida in the Florida Everglades. The SEEDS Program supported 23 students from 16 colleges and universities from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The field trip themed “The Nation’s Largest Restoration Project,” gave the field trip participants a multidimensional perspective into this incredible ecological effort. During the trip students met with members of the Fish and Wildlife Services, the Seminole Tribe, ecologist from the Florida Coastal Everglades LTER site and professionals from Florida International University. It was a unique opportunity for students to explore their interests in ecology by learning more about the science, exploring career options, and seeing the practical applications of ecology. Students were given field notebooks and asked to keep journals. In addition to individual notes, groups of 5-6 students were responsible for writing various aspects of the trip, which was then edited and compiled to create the report. The report reflects the thoughts and voices of the students who participated in this trip.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Newcomb, New York – September, 2010
Highlighting Adirondack Ecological Center
The 2010 SEEDS Fall Field Trip took place from September 23-26, 2010 at the Adirondack Ecological Center in Newcomb, New York – in the heart of the 6 million acre park of the Adirondacks. The SEEDS Program supported 23 students from 18 universities from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The field trip theme was “Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Biocultural Conservation and Restoration and gave the field trip participants a unique inside perspective and insight into the importance of the theme in the world of ecology. Students were given field notebooks and asked to keep journals. In addition to individual notes, groups of 5-6 students were responsible for writing various aspects of the trip, which was then edited and compiled to create the report. The report reflects the voices of the students who attended the field trip.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Luquillo LTER, Puerto Rico – May, 2010
Highlighting El Verde Field Station (EVFS)
The 2010 SEEDS Spring Field Trip took place from May 23-27, 2010 at the El Verde Field Station in Rio Grande Puerto Rico. EVFS is located within El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, surrounded by tropical rainforests representative o many Caribbean island ecosystems. This field trip provided 21 students and 3 ESA staff members with the unique opportunity to explore the vastly differing ecosystems of Puerto Rico, from the Tropical Rainforests of El Yunque to the Dry Forests of Guanica, down to the sandy coasts of the Northeast Ecological Corridor and back up to Cloud Mountain. Students kept daily journals and reported on all the activities and events of the trip.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the Field Trip Report.
Pembroke, Virginia – September 2009
Highlighting Mountain Lake Biological Station
From September 16 – 20, 2009, 22 Students, 2 faculty, 1 SEEDS Alumni and 2 SEEDS Staff took part in a SEEDS Field Trip to the Mountain Lake Biological Stations in Pembroke, Virginia. During the field trip students toured MLBS and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, met with faculty from the Universityof Virginia, MLBS staff, research ecologists, learned about the research being conducted at MLBS, participated in an art workshop lead by a botanical artist, attended a career panel. The students were required to keep a daily journal of their experiences and to work collaboratively on the SEEDS field trip report.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field journals donated by Ben Meadows Company.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Gothic, Colorado – June, 2009
Highlighting Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL)
The 2009 SEEDS Spring Field Trip took place from June 7-13, 2009 at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) in Gothic, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver. The location of this field trip was about 9,500 feet above sea level. This field trip provided a unique opportunity for 18 students, one SEEDS staff person, and one SEEDS Chapter Advisor to learn from, and hopefully contribute to, high elevation scientific research programs taking place at the research station. Participants interacted with 12 scientists, graduate students, an author, and a museum curator at RMBL and in the nearby town in Crested Butte CO. Students were also required to keep a daily journal of their experiences and to work collaboratively on the SEEDS field trip report.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field journals donated by Ben Meadows Company.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Petersham, Massachusetts – October 2008
Highlighting Harvard University’s Harvard Forest LTER
From October 16-19, 2008 19 students, 2 faculty and 2 SEEDS Staff took part in a SEEDS Field Trip to Harvard Forest LTER in Petersham, Massachusetts. During the field trip students toured Harvard Forest; met with faculty, staff, and graduate students; learned about the research being conducted; participated in a creative non-fiction writing workshop; participated in a statistics workshop, attended a career panel; and visited nearby Historic Deerfield. Students were also required to keep a daily journal of their experiences and to work collaboratively on the SEEDS field trip report.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field journals donated by Ben Meadows Company.
Fairbanks, Alaska – May 2008
Highlighting the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Bonanza Creek LTER
From May 25-31, 2008 19 students, 2 faculty and 2 SEEDS Staff took part in a SEEDS Field Trip to Bonanza Creek LTER in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Bonanza Creek LTER focuses on research on boreal forests. Within the context of the International Polar Year, the activities and discussions during the field trip centered around the effects of climate change in Alaska. Students had the opportunity to engage with researchers and Native Alaskans through field work and formal presentations. During the field trip, students also toured Alaskan boreal forests, muskegs and wetlands, and the floodplains of the Tanana River. Students conducted ecological investigations, and presented their results on the effects of fires in Alaska. In addition, students participated in Athabascan cultural activities and learned about the effects of climate change on Alaskan Natives. Additionally, artistic expression was incorporated into the field trip to encourage creative thinking.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field journals donated by Ben Meadows Company.
To learn more about the field trip, read the field trip report.
Santa Barbara, California – October 2007
Highlighting the University of California Santa Barbara Coastal LTER
From October 25-28, 2007 SEEDS sponsored a student field trip to Santa Barbara, CA, highlighting the research of the University of California- Santa Barbara’s Coastal LTER. Attendees included twenty two students from nineteen schools across the country, three SEEDS faculty, and five SEEDS staff. Faculty and graduate students from UCSB exposed students to the research being conducted at the LTER. The kelp forest ecosystem was the focus of the first day. Students went on a boat ride to observe marine research on kelp forests. Various types of watersheds and methods to monitor them were the focus of the second day. Through various speakers, students also learned about the history of fisheries and indigenous people inhabiting the Santa Barbara coastal areas.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Chiapas, Mexico 2007
Highlighting ECOSUR
The Spring 2007 SEEDS student field trip was held June 1-8 in Chiapas, Mexico, highlighting the research of ecologists at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) on the campus of San Cristóbal de Las Casas. Twenty two participants from across the US spent an unforgettable week traveling a great portion of the biologically and culturally diverse southernmost state of Mexico. The goal of the field trip was the same as all SEEDS activities – to encourage and support a widely diverse group of students to become ecologists and offer their rich perspectives to the profession. Eight ecologists of ECOSUR and over 30 community members from across the state of Chiapas volunteered their time to help SEEDS plan and carry out the field trip. They helped us exceed our goal of stimulating student interest in ecology by offering such a unique perspective on ecology in a region where land is so precious as to have started a revolution over a decade ago.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Athens, Georgia and Otto, North Carolina – November 2006
Highlighting the University of Georgia / Coweeta LTER
From November 2-5, 2006 SEEDS sponsored a student field trip to Georgia and North Carolina, highlighting the research of the Coweeta LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) program. Attendees included seventeen students from twelve schools across the country, two SEEDS Chapter faculty, and two staff from the Ecological Society of America. Many activities took place during the field trip. Participants met with a number of people from the University of Georgia’s Institute of Ecology and graduate school. Participants were also given a tour of the Institute. Participants then traveled from Athens, Georgia to Otto, North Carolina to learn about the ecological research being done at the Coweeta LTER. The field trip also offered an opportunity for cultural enrichment with a stop to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
To learn more about the field trip, read the Field Trip Report.
Konza Prairie – June 2006
Highlighting the Konza Prairie LTER Project
From June 4-9, 2006 SEEDS conducted a student field trip to various sites in Kansas. Attendees included nineteen students from sixteen schools across the country, including the territories of American Samoa and Puerto Rico; one SEEDS faculty from Yale University; and three SEEDS staff from the Ecological Society of America.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Albuquerque, New Mexico – November 2005
Highlighting the Sevilleta LTER Project
From November 10-13, 2005 SEEDS sponsored a student field trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, highlighting the research of the Sevilleta LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) Project. Attendees included twenty- five students from sixteen schools across the country, four SEEDS Chapter faculty, and two SEEDS staff from the Ecological Society of America. Ecologists from the University of New Mexico, Sevilleta LTER, and Arizona State University exposed students to research being conducted at several sites in New Mexico including the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands and shrublands of the south, the Great Plains grasslands to the north, Piñon-Juniper woodlands in the upper elevations of the neighboring mountains, Colorado Plateau shrub-steppe to the west, and riparian vegetation along the middle Rio Grande Valley.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Pellston, Michigan – June 2005
Highlighting the University of Michigan Biological Station
From June 12-18, 2005 SEEDS sponsored a student field trip to Pellston, Michigan, highlighting the research of the University of Michigan’s Biological Station (UMBS). Attendees included eighteen students from twelve schools across the country, three SEEDS faculty, and three SEEDS staff. Faculty and students from UMBS exposed students to the research being conducted at several sites in northern Michigan including foersts, wetlands, and lakes. Research included small mammals, limnology, ethnobotany, and biogeochemistry.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Lafayette, Louisiana – November 2004
From November 18 – 21, 2004 SEEDS supported a student field trip to Lafayette, Louisiana, highlighting the research of the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Wetlands Research Center. Attendees included nineteen students from fourteen schools across the country, three SEEDS staff, and two faculty mentors. Ecologists from the National Wetlands Research Center exposed students to the research being conducted at several sites in south Louisiana including a prairie, marsh, and swamp. The research focus varied from prairie succession, to wildlife (nutria), to swamp sedimentation.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Calgary, Canada – June 2004
Highlighting the University of Calgary Kananaskis Field Stations
On June 5-11, 2004 SEEDS supported a student field trip to Calgary, Canada highlighting the University of Calgary Kananaskis Field Stations. Attendees included twenty students from seventeen schools and two SEEDS faculty. The first full day of the field trip was spent in Calgary where students learned about Calgary’s water and the conservation biology program and animal health at the Calgary Zoo. The remainder of the field trip was spent at the Kananaskis Field Stations, meeting with a variety of researchers in the area. The final day of the field trip was spent at Kootenay National Park and the Athabasca Glacier and concluded with dinner and sightseeing in the town of Banff.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Baltimore, Maryland & Washington DC – November 2003
Highlighting the Baltimore Ecosystem Study
On November 6-9, 2003 SEEDS supported a student field trip to Baltimore, Maryland and Washington DC, highlighting the Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) of the Long Term Ecological Research Network and other local sites including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Attendees included twenty-five students from seventeen schools and three SEEDS faculty. The first day of the field trip was spent in Washington DC where students learned about graduate school opportunities and environmental justice at the EPA Headquarters. The second half of the day was spent at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History where a career luncheon panel was held followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum. The day concluded with dinner and music at the Jazz Café in the Museum. The second day of the field trip was spent at various sites of the BES ending with free time in Inner Harbor, Baltimore. On Sunday, the final day, the morning was spent at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Northern California – June 2003
Highlighting the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve of Stanford University
SEEDS sponsored a student field trip in June 2003 to Northern California highlighting Stanford University’s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and other local ecological sites including the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, the Marine Science Institute, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Plant Gene Expression Center of the University of California and the United States Department of Agriculture. Attendees included seventeen students from ten schools, three SEEDS faculty, three staff from the Ecological Society of America, and one participant from the All Nations Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. The first two days of the field trip were spent at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve where participants hiked through several of the ecosystems in the Preserve, conducted a biotic creek survey, and learned about some of the research being done in the Preserve. The third day participants visited the UC Berkeley/USDA Plant Gene Expression Center where students learned about some of the Center’s research. The visit to the Center was followed by some free time around the UC Berkeley campus and San Francisco. The last two days of the field trip offered an opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems. On Thursday, participants visited the Hopkins Marine Station and the neighboring Monterey Bay Aquarium. The last day of the field trip, participants visited the Marine Science Institute.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.
Eastern Tennessee – November 2002
Eastern Tennessee – April 2001
Highlighting the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
SEEDS sponsored its first student field trip in April 2001 to Eastern Tennessee. Twenty-two students from eight SEEDS schools, four SEEDS faculty, and two program coordinators participated. Participants visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory on Friday, April 20, 2001 where they learned more about the Environmental Sciences Division, participated in a highly informative panel discussion, and toured the Environmental Safety Health and Quality labs. The following day participants traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where they learned about an ecologist’s research in the park and park management issues from a veteran park ranger. In addition to participating in scheduled activities, some students also enjoyed a hike to an impressive waterfall (Laurel Falls), a shopping excursion in Gatlinburg, and a marshmallow roast at an evening campfire in celebration of Earth Day.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Field Trip Report Sheet Coming Soon.