[ECOLOG-L] Plants Colonizing Weedy or Ruderal or Invasive Arguments and Distinctions?
Ecolog: Fools rush in where the exalted fear to tread, but here goes: A certain certainty seems to persist around the subject of colonizing species or weeds. I have visited a couple of sites (one highly professional, but still confusing) which contain what appear to me to be quaint statements, hidden amongst the valid phrases. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weed and its associated pages, for example, may be sowing the seeds of confusion far and wide. I do not know how widespread these alien, ruderal, or feral ideas are, or whether I am persistently misinformed. It seems that with respect to weed in particular, authors prefer to hedge rather than clarify or qualify--at least sufficiently, in my view. An ecological view seems to be lacking, even for balance. I do not want to lead others down the garden path, but I think is it high time this confusion was clarified and settled, at least to the point where differences are made distinct. Are you similarly disturbed or confused? Would you please participate in getting to the root of the matter, right here on Ecolog? Thank you all for your help. WT
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Plants Colonizing Weedy or Ruderal or Invasive Arguments and Distinctions?
Hi all, A few semi-recent papers attempt to standardize the definitions of these concepts in an ecological sense (refs below). There are probably others, as well. Generally, though, it is my understanding that weed is a term that is entrenched in the agricultural realm, while invasive tends to be used by people working in natural systems. Richardson D, Pysek P, Rejmanek M, Barbour M, Panetta F, West C (2000) Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: Concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions, 6, 93-107. Colautti R, Macisaac H (2004) A neutral terminology to define 'invasive' species. Diversity and Distributions, 10, 135-141. See also: Radosevich S, Holt J, Ghersa C (2007) Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants: Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, Hoboken, N.J., John Wiley and Sons. Lauren Quinn Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:49:58 -0700 From: landr...@cox.net Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Plants Colonizing Weedy or Ruderal or Invasive Arguments and Distinctions? To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Ecolog: Fools rush in where the exalted fear to tread, but here goes: A certain certainty seems to persist around the subject of colonizing species or weeds. I have visited a couple of sites (one highly professional, but still confusing) which contain what appear to me to be quaint statements, hidden amongst the valid phrases. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weed and its associated pages, for example, may be sowing the seeds of confusion far and wide. I do not know how widespread these alien, ruderal, or feral ideas are, or whether I am persistently misinformed. It seems that with respect to weed in particular, authors prefer to hedge rather than clarify or qualify--at least sufficiently, in my view. An ecological view seems to be lacking, even for balance. I do not want to lead others down the garden path, but I think is it high time this confusion was clarified and settled, at least to the point where differences are made distinct. Are you similarly disturbed or confused? Would you please participate in getting to the root of the matter, right here on Ecolog? Thank you all for your help. WT _ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2
[ECOLOG-L] Associate Engineer Position - Biosphere 2 (at UArizona)
Associate Engineer, for design of systems for atmospheric and ecosystem measurements, starting summer 2010. Biosphere 2 (at University of Arizona) seeks a creative engineer with background in design, construction, deployment and maintenance of robust automated field instrumentation. This position will provide self-starting individuals with opportunity to manage instrumentation projects and collaborate with research scientists using the instrumentation for research. Initial projects support deployment of new laser spectrometers to measure isotopes in atmospheric CH4 and CO2 at field sites (in northern Sweden, and Brazilian Amazon), and in Biosphere 2, the unique enclosed ecosystem near Tucson, AZ. Candidates should have training/experience in mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering, and familiarity with computer-aided design and data acquisition. Relevant experience includes pressure and flow control, thermal management, electronics, and optics. Additional background in measurement of isotope ratios in gases or materials (including design of calibration to maintain traceable high-accuracy), or of biosphere-atmosphere fluxes, is a strong plus. The University of Arizona is an equal-opportunity employer, providing competitive salary and benefits. Apply at: https://www.uacareertrack.com/ (job number 44952). See also: http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/saleska/research.htm (Prof. Saleska group); http://www.b2science.org/ (Biosphere 2)
[ECOLOG-L] NSF Post-Doctoral Fellowships in tropical ecosystem global change science, starting Summer 2010
NSF Post-Doctoral Fellowships in tropical ecosystem global change science, starting Summer 2010. An NSF-funded Partnership for International Research and Education (PIRE) in the Amazon, based at U. of Arizona, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships. We seek outstanding self-motivated scientists (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) to combine research on Amazon forest response to climatic variability with an opportunity to coordinate an international education and training program (including an intensive field course in the Amazon). Fellowships offer exceptional opportunities to collaborate with a broad inter-disciplinary team of American and Brazilian scientists, and will be offered in two project areas: (1) Experimental studies to give insight into the future of Amazon forests by investigating effects of drought and light on tropical tree seedling recruitment, with manipulations conducted both in the field and in the model tropical forest of U. of Arizonas unique Biosphere 2 facility (www.b2science.org). Backgrounds in ecology, physiology, or ecohydrology desired. (2) Observational studies on scaling photosynthesis from leaf traits to landscapes, combining ecophysiology, ecosystem-scale eddy fluxes, and remote sensing (including automated multi-spectral cameras and satellites) to understand forest phenology and variation across the Amazon. Strong quantitative and programming skills required. The fellowship is $42,000/yr plus health insurance, offered on an equal-opportunity basis. Apply at: http://www.amazonpire.org/, or contact Amazon-PIRE investigators Scott Saleska (sale...@email.arizona.edu ), Alfredo Huete (ahu...@ag.arizona.edu), or Travis Huxman (hux...@email.arizona.edu ).
[ECOLOG-L] ABC Vacancy Announcement: Wind Campaign Program Officer
Please spread this around. Title: Wind Campaign Program Officer Supervisor: Michael J. Parr, Vice President Location: Greater Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area Application Deadline: May 7, 2010 Introduction: American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is looking for a high-energy individual who is able to work effectively in partnership to address the impacts of wind development on birds. The Wind Campaign Program Officer will develop and coordinate ABC's work to minimize the impact to birds caused by the development of wind power. The Officer will work closely with other ABC program staff, the Chief Conservation Officer, and with supervision from Michael Parr, Vice President, to establish mandatory bird strike mitigation guidelines for wind development; develop conservation plans for species likely to be effected by wind, and to leverage these plans into action using communication, advocacy, and (if necessary) legal tools. The Program Officer will work with a network of ABC partners to carry out an ambitious, effective, and integrated campaign. The position requires excellent communication and project management experience, organizational and writing skills, and a broad knowledge of ABC's mission, objectives, and programs. Primary Duties: . Develop and implement communication and policy initiatives: Work with ABC staff, NGO partners, and other leaders to identify, develop, and implement a high-profile national and international campaign to minimize the impact of wind turbines on birds. Develop strategies, partnerships, and agency liaisons to address the issue. Work with federal agencies to gain strong policies to protect birds from wind impacts. . Foster strong partnerships: Work with, mentor and assist partners in support of the campaign. . Financial Management and Reporting: Work with ABC's Financial and Development Departments to ensure the effective use, management and reporting of all campaign activities. . Networking and Coalition Building: Represent ABC's work with other institutions, government, and domestic and international conservation organizations to advance the campaign. . Maintain excellent communication with ABC staff about activities, produce articles for publicity and website. Position Requirements: . Bachelor's degree or higher in communications or political science, or a related field with knowledge of conservation and management needs of birds. Creativity and demonstrated leadership skills required. . At least three years relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. . Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results. Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take responsibility. . Proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to find solutions and demonstrate tenacity for difficult or long-term projects. . Previous experience working in partnership with other organizations. . An outgoing, positive, persuasive manner and predisposition for collaboration, but with ability to work both independently and as part of a team. . Knowledge of birds preferred. . Excellent writing, presentation, and organizational skills. . Willing and able to travel frequently. Application Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume to Merrie Morrison Vice President of Operations P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 or by email to h...@abcbirds.org by May 7, 2010
[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting: Sustainable Prisons Project @ Evergreen State College
We are looking to hire a sustainability minded, adaptable, team-oriented manager for our Sustainable Prisons Project, which is a partnership between The Evergreen State College and Washington Department of Corrections. We engage ecologists, ecosystem scientists, professors, prisoners, corrections officers, and community partners in education, scientific research, and sustainable practices within the Washington Department of Corrections. The full job description can be found at: http://www.evergreen.edu/employment/staffjobs.htm The project website can be found at: http://blogs.evergreen.edu/sustainableprisons/ Please forward this position to other individuals and groups you think may be interested! POSITION PURPOSE The Project Manager will expand, support, develop, and evaluate initiatives that promote sustainability of corrections facilities that will in turn, improve offender behavior, reduce recidivism, and enhance career possibilities for inmates in Washington State, and increase educational opportunities for students and faculty at The Evergreen State College (TESC). The main objectives will be to help guide and manage participants at the multiple participating institutions and agencies to collaborate on innovative ways of advancing sustainability in the broadest sense of the term; enable efficient means to assess progress; and to help create deliverables that will enable other correctional centers and institutions of higher learning to benefit from the activities. (see much more of the description at http://www.evergreen.edu/employment/staffjobs.htm) __ Amy Stasch, MPA, MSES Program Manager Research Ambassador Program The Evergreen State College 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Library 2213 Olympia, Washington 98505 (360) 867 - 6767 www.researchambassador.com http://www.researchambassador.com/ www.sustainableprisons.org
[ECOLOG-L] JOB: RESEARCH ASSISTANT [N2O and CO2 fluxes]
The Ecosystems Center at the MBL is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Assistant position working in N2O and CO2 flux measurement from agricultural land. The position starts immediately. The candidate will primarily work in the field to use new techniques (including the tunable diode laser analyzer, infrared gas analyzer, and eddy covariance technique) to measure N2O and CO2 fluxes. The candidate is expected to maintain the system and potentially develop his/her own ideas to improve the system. The candidate will have opportunities to interact with a group of leading scientists in biogeochemistry at MBL (http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/) and at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A BA/BS in ecology, environmental sciences or environmental engineer is required. An MA in above fields is desired. Strong experience in field instrumentation, particularly of electric wiring, infrared gas analyzers, dataloggers, and climatic sensors, is essential. The successful candidate should be able to work independently and willing to learn to use and explore new field-based instruments. Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous physical activity in the field. Send a cover letter, Resume/CV, references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Jim Tang at jt...@mbl.edu. MBL is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Non-smoking workplace.
[ECOLOG-L] Vegetation Monitoring Field Technician in Eastern Nevada
The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of public, private, and non-profit partners dedicated to the restoration of the Great Basin ecosystems through collaborative teamwork. Vegetation monitoring is an integral part of the Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition goals in assessing the land health of eastern Nevada. DUTIES: Field crew members will be responsible for collecting vegetation data in semi-desert and Mojave desert ecosystems. The data will be collected with using a variety of vegetation monitoring techniques. Crew members will also be responsible for the collection of unknown plant specimens for future identification. CONDITIONS: Candidates must be able and willing to hike long distances carrying a 30-lb pack over rugged terrain and work long hours in extreme conditions, including rain and 100+ F° heat, in remote areas. Crew members will be required to provide their own housing and personal field gear. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Strong applicants will either be currently enrolled in or graduated from a program in natural resources or a related field. Experience in taxonomic keys and field botany is essential. A working knowledge of the flora of the Great Basin desert is preferred but not required. Applicants must be experienced with 4WD, GPS, backcountry navigation, and a clean driving record for the past 3 years. Backcountry camping will be required for certain study areas. SALARY: $14-16/hour, depending on experience (plus per diem when camping) DURATION: Positions will begin late April to early May 2010, and last three months or longer, depending upon availability of work. LOCATION: The crews will be based out of the Coalition’s office in Ely, NV, and will be working in White Pine County, Lincoln County, and Lander County, NV. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed and applicants contacted as they come in; the position is open until an applicant is hired. TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three (3) references (names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and relation to applicant) via e-mail to: Moira Kolada milg_e...@sbcglobal.net Include ‘WA Field Crew Member’ in the subject line of the email. Phone interviews will be scheduled following the application deadline. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Moira Kolada at milg_e...@sbcglobal.net or 775-289-7974 ext. 7#.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Associate (Post-doc) in Forest Landscape Change
Applications are invited for the position of a Research Assistant (post-doc) to study landscape-scale carbon dynamics as a function of disturbance and climate change. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of carbon science and predictive modeling. The candidate will address the question of how wildfires, fuels management, and climate change will alter carbon dynamics in the Lake Tahoe Basin (LTB). Wildfire is a leading concern nationally and in the LTB due to its effects on water quality, vegetation, and habitat. Climate change may complicate wildfire management and cause shifts in vegetation. Increasingly, forest managers must also consider the carbon implication of wildfire, forest management, and climate change. The position will require data synthesis and the application of forest landscape change models (primarily LANDIS-II and CENTURY) to evaluate the combined effects of multiple interacting processes on ecosystem carbon change. The chosen candidate will work closely with ecologists at Portland State University and the University of Nevada-Reno and with other scientists working in the LTB. The position will also require working with multiple management agencies to learn and define scenarios with maximal management relevancy. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a background in forest ecology and/or fire ecology and/or landscape ecology. Experience synthesizing diverse data sources and using forest landscape models is essential. The candidate should have excellent communications skills and a strong interest in working with an interdisciplinary research team. Candidates should have a PhD in ecology, geography, or a related field. The position is full time and is available June 1st for a period of 1.5 years with potential for renewal depending on funding. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to those received before May 1st. Portland State University in located in downtown Portland, the major urban center of Oregon. The University is centered on the tree-lined South Park Blocks, an extensive greenway through the center of town, and is surrounded by numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Adjacent to the University is the Portland cultural district, home to the Oregon Symphony, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, the Portland Art Museum, and the Northwest Film Center. The variety of outdoor activities convenient to the city is unsurpassed. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking are popular outdoor activities accessible within minutes of Portland. The rugged Cascade and Coast mountain ranges provide hundreds of miles of trails. To Apply Applicants should send a CV, a letter of interest describing your experience and qualifications, and contact information for three references to Robert Scheller at [rmschell AT http://pdx.edupdx.edu]. Portland State University offers generous benefits. Salary will be up $42k/year, depending on experience. The candidate will be joining an exciting lab and department with numerous opportunities to collaborate and grow their career. Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. -- Robert M. Scheller, PhD Assistant Professor Dept. Environmental Sciences and Mgmt Portland State University P.O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207 Phone:503-725-2497 Web site: http://web.pdx.edu/%7Ermschell/web.pdx.edu/~rmschell/ http://web.pdx.edu/%7Ermschell/
[ECOLOG-L] Internship opportunity in Costa Rica
We are still accepting interns for our 2010 Internship on Sustainable Forest Management Interns working on our sustainable forest management program will work on devising and implementing a forest management plan for a two hectare demonstration plot. Basic knowledge of forestry and forest management are required for this internship position. About The Finca Project The Finca Project is a U.S. based non-profit organization dedicated to the recuperation of human and ecological communities in southern Costa Rica through small-scale tropical reforestation and multi-cultural, environmental education. Costs of the Program 6 week internship.$1500 Additional weeks..$250/week These costs include room and board. How to apply Please send the following directly to javier.fernandez-v...@yale.edu 1. A simple resume 2. Letter of intent (including which group your are applying for and why you want to intern) 3. Two references (email addresses are OK) If you are interested in working with us or have any questions about the internship program please send an email directly to javier.fernandez- v...@yale.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Native Seed Banking
Dear Colleague: Re: Native Seed Banking The Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank at the Chicago Botanic Garden is working to conserve the genetic diversity of our native vascular flora by collecting and preserving seeds from across the tallgrass prairie region in long-term cold storage. Banking seeds is an efficient way to preserve plant populations because seeds store the breadth of genetic diversity present in a population in small packages and, for most species, can do so for a very long time. These tiny packages once dried to 15% humidity and stored at -20º C can be preserved, on average, for 200 years. Long-term storage of native seeds can serve as insurance that a species’ genome is protected against extinction in a rapidly changing world. For instance, we can predict where climate shifts may occur due to the effects of global warming, collect seeds in these critical areas and bank them for future reintroduction into suitable habitats at a later date. The alarming reduction of native plant populations across the tallgrass prairie region signifies now more than ever the importance of seed banking. - Ultimately seeds of multiple populations will be collected for over 3000 plant species of the tallgrass prairie. - Initially 543 species important for habitat restoration will be collected across twelve ecoregions. - A stipend of $90 will be provided for each collection. - In addition to long-term storage, the collections will be used as a resource for research and restoration projects. Preserving native plant diversity of the tallgrass prairie region in a seed bank means collecting multiple populations of more than 3000 species across the Midwest. This enormous task cannot be accomplished with out lots of help from organizations like yours. Where and how do we start? We began by creating a list of species that are considered “characteristic” of common plant communities in the region and integral to habitat restoration. To determine the list, we searched the literature for native species that met set criteria reflecting their importance in a community for each of twelve ecoregions (Omernik level 3) strongly represented in the tallgrass prairie region. From that data, 543 species were selected for our “Restoration Collection Target Species List”, of which 156 are considered high priority. The goal is to collect seeds from one plant population (if it exists) in each of the twelve ecoregions for all 543 species. We need your help to collect the species from our target list within your ecoregion. You can view our Restoration Collection Target List, with ecoregions, at http://cbgseedbank.org/restorationspecies.html. Omernik’s level 3 ecoregion map is included on our website to aid in locating your ecoregion. You can also find our seed collecting protocols (http://cbgseedbank.org/contractors_forms_protocols.html). We provide a stipend of $90 dollars for each collection and shipping to CBG with our FedEx account. If there is a species in your ecoregion that you feel is important for preservation that does not occur on our list, please contact us so we can add it. The more seeds secured in the bank, the more valuable the collection will be. The collection will be divided with one part remaining in the seed vault for long-term storage, another part held in at least one redundant storage facility off site and still another held in the seed vault as a resource for research and restoration projects. If you can help, please feel free to contact us so that we can get you started. Also, if you have colleagues in your ecoregion or the others listed that may be interested in participating, please pass along this invitation. Sincerely yours, David Sollenberger Seed Conservation Specialist Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank Chicago Botanic Garden dsollenber...@chicagobotanic.org
[ECOLOG-L] ESA Annual Meeting: Call for Latebreaking Poster Abstracts
Call for Latebreaking Poster Abstracts Deadline for Submission: Thursday, May 13, 2010 95th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania August 1-6, 2010 http://www.esa.org/pittsburgh Authors have one final chance to submit an abstract for the ESA Annual Meeting! All abstracts accepted under this invitation will be presented during a Latebreaking poster session on Friday, August 6, from 8:30-10:30 AM. Abstract titles for posters in this session will be printed in the official conference program and the abstracts will appear on the online program. The theme for the meeting is Global Warming: The legacy of our past, the challenge for our future. Abstracts related to this theme are highly encouraged, but submissions may address any aspect of ecology and its applications. We also welcome submissions reporting interdisciplinary work, that address communication with broad audiences, or that explore ways of teaching ecology at any level. Please adhere to the posted guidelines in preparing and submitting your abstract. For more information and to begin the submission process, please visit the meeting website: http://www.esa.org/pittsburgh/call_latebreaking.php Thank you, Jennifer Riem ESA Science Programs Coordinator jenni...@esa.orgmailto:jenni...@esa.org 202-833-8773
[ECOLOG-L] Field Assistants
FIELD ASSISTANTS Applications are invited for field research assistants to work on an exciting new project investigating effects of grassland restoration on bird communities of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert. We welcome applications from experienced field assistants with a solid background in ornithology and a strong interest in songbird ecology. Preference will be given to candidates that are physically fit, have full color vision, experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles in rough terrain, and ability to identify western birds by sight and sound. Start date: ~17 May 2010 Salary: $2200/mo + housing Please send the following materials ASAP to Dr. Jeff Kelly via email (jeffrey.f.ke...@gmail.com): (1) Full CV including your home address and all contact details; (2) Cover letter explaining your motivation and interest regarding this research and why you would be a good candidate for the position; and (3) Three references with full contact information. Jeff Kelly Oklahoma Biological Survey and Department of Zoology University of Oklahoma 111 East Chesapeake St. Norman, OK 73019 jeffrey.f.ke...@gmail.com 405-325-2440 (phone) http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/K/Jeffrey.F.Kelly-1/ http://www.migrate.ou.edu/ http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/OkWildBird/index.php/Main_Page
[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doctoral Research Associate (3-years) UArizona/Sweden
Focus: methane isotope biogeochemistry/infrared absorption spectroscopy in an arctic wetland Institution: Ecology Evol. Biology and Biosphere 2, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ Start Date: Spring/Summer 2010 We seek a creative post-doctoral scientist with strong background in both instrumentation and ecosystem biogeochemistry to join an interdisciplinary team working to understand the dynamics of methane and associated microbial ecology of an arctic permafrost wetland that is being transformed by global climate change. The candidate will manage the deployment and interpretation of data from cutting edge instrumentation to measure the isotopic composition of fluxes and concentrations of CH4 and CO2 in the field, and collaborate with a team studying the molecular microbial ecology (metagenomics and metatranscriptomics) of methane. The science goals of this project are to discover how microbial community composition and metabolism scale to the ecosystem biogeochemistry of CH4 and CO2, and to learn how these relations are affected by a changing climate. The position is based at University Arizona, but will involve significant time commitments in the experimental field site in northern Sweden. This position provides exceptional opportunities to learn new techniques and to make major scientific contributions to problems of both scientific and societal interest using cutting-edge technology (see web page below for more project details). This is an interdisciplinary research program, and we do not expect candidates to be familiar with all of the relevant methods, but a strong science back¬ground relevant to methane isotope biogeochemistry, including field deployment of instrumentation, is desired. Competitive salary and benefits are provided; the University of Arizona is an equal-opportunity employer. Apply at: https://www.uacareertrack.com/ (search postings for number 44956) Direct questions about the project to: Dr. Scott Saleska Ecology Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona sale...@email.arizona.edu For more information on this project see web sites: http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/saleska/research.htm (Saleska group) http://www.b2science.org/
