[ECOLOG-L] microsat software

[Cyd E. Hamilton]

Hello,
I need software (other than GeneMapper) to help read microsat results and bin 
the peaks.  Many of the peaks have stutters and so GeneMapper is not able to 
distinguish peaks and bin them.  Is there software available to save time 
while also being trustworthy or at least sufficient to check the word 'done by 
hand'?
Thanks

[ECOLOG-L] NSF Awards Second Round of Grants to Advance Digitization of Biological Collections

[Nadine Lymn]

May be of interest:

NSF Awards Second Round of Grants to Advance Digitization of Biological 
Collections
05/01/2012 02:52 PM EDT

Centuries of exploration and discovery have documented the diversity of life on 
Earth.
Records of that biodiversity are, for the most part, distributed widely across 
varied and distinct natural history collections. Until now, that has made 
assessing the information in these collections a difficult task.
Last year, the National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Advancing 
Digitization of Biological Collections (ADBC) program, responded to the need 
for greater accessibility.

More at 
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=124031&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click




Nadine Lymn
Director of Public Affairs 
Ecological Society of America
1990 M Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington DC  20036
202.833.8773 ext. 205
--
www.facebook.com/esa.org: "Like" the new ESA Facebook page, ask 
friends/colleagues to do the same.
http://twitter.com/#!/esa_org: "Follow" ESA on Twitter. 
ESA eStore: Now available: "An Ecologist's Guidebook to Policy Engagement."

[ECOLOG-L] One week volunteet for field technician in Nantucket, MA

[Kirsten Martin]

I am a master's student at the University of Central Florida and am looking
for a field technician to help me during my third, and final field season.
Specifically, I need help during a week long plant survey on Nantucket, MA. 

What:
A survey of plant diversity in a Nantucket heathland. The project is
focusing on the prescribed fire regime that best maintains the diversity of
the heathland. Additionally, I am trying to identify whether increased soil
nitrogen status is a problem in the sandplain heathlands of Massachusetts. 

When:
I will be on Nantucket the week of July 22nd and definitely need help during
this week. If you are available, I will also be in Cape Cod for the two
weeks following this (July 29th through August 16th) and would like help
surveying a similar heathland on Cape Cod. 

Who: 
Strong preference will be given to those that are familiar with heathland
plants of Massachusetts. Additionally, preference will be given to those
that are interested in staying for the whole time period (July 22nd- August
15th). Just to reiterate, the week of July 22nd is required and the
subsequent two weeks are strongly preferred. 

Where: 
Nantucket Island and Cape Cod National Seashore, MA. 

Why:
So what's in it for you? 
I will cover transportation costs from mainland Cape Cod to the island.
Additionally, housing for the entire time is covered. 
I can also offer you $88 per week, in order to cover food. For example, if
you do only the first week you would receive $88, while if you stay for the
entire time period, you would receive $264. 
As always with these positions, you would gain experience and a letter of
recommendation. 

If interested, email me at kmmar...@knights.ucf.edu.
Include a brief paragraph as to why you are interested in the position as
well as a resume outlining relevant experience (this may be work experience
or course work)

I hope to hear from you soon!

Kirsten Martin

Von Holle Lab
Department of Biology, BL 405
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816

[ECOLOG-L] Marine Education Internship -repost

[Meggan Dwyer]

MERI's Marine Education Internships – Summer 2012

The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), located in Blue Hill,
Maine, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research and
education on the impacts of pollution on marine life, and to protecting the
health and biodiversity of the marine environment for future generations.
We are currently offering three Marine Education Internships for the 2012
Summer. These are full-time positions requiring a commitment of 11 weeks
(June 18th – August 31st). Current work includes community-based marine
education programs, water quality monitoring, and field research on the
effects of pollution on marine mammals. MERI's education programs focus on
marine life along the rocky Maine coast and promoting environmental
awareness and stewardship.

A marine education internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual
working toward a career in marine science education or environmental
education to gain practical experience in the field. The ideal candidate
will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment
to the mission of the organization.

*Primary Job Responsibility: *
This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in
key components of the MERI education program, including leading boat and
island ecology trips for children and adults, planning and implementing
educational science materials for adult and child community programs,
assisting with teen programming, and assisting with the day-to-day
operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies.

*Job Description: *
Assist with the implementation of educational programming, including
educational boat cruises, Teens for Healthy Oceans Program, MERI's Summer
Classes, Ocean Story Hour, Ocean Video Night, and Ocean Aquarium Room
programs.

§  Interpret exhibits in the Ocean Aquarium Room to visiting groups and the
general public

§  Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies,
including staffing the reception desk and the Ocean Room, and attending
some weekend and evening programs and special events

§  Help maintain Ocean Aquarium, including collection of species for
exhibit in the tanks

§  Work with Education Department staff and volunteers to reorganize and
catalogue the Sea Lending Library

§  Compile background information, assist with production of Fact Sheets,
Teaching Kits and informational materials as assigned and for an individual
project subject area

§  Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public

§  Stock and maintain educational program materials

§  Set up and clean areas required for educational programs

§  Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as
required

*Reports To:*
Education Program Coordinator and Education Director

*Qualifications: *
Applicants should be working towards or possess a BA or BS degree (Seniors
and recent graduates) are encouraged to apply) in environmental education,
marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major.
Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching science-related
topics and preferably have experience teaching science to groups of
students, ages 2-18. Applicants should be able to work well independently
and as part of a team. Good public speaking and writing skills are
required. Applicants must be flexible, able to adapt to a changing work
environment, and at times, be available to work evenings, weekends, and
holidays.

Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel
required. Must possess a valid drivers license, and a good driving record.
Knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and water safety is a plus.

*Time Requirements:*
June 18th – August 31st (11 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week)

*Compensation:*
Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend ($175/wk) are available. A common house
is used, where interns live together and are responsible for cooking and
cleaning duties. Rooms may be shared with one other person. Interns are
responsible for all travel expenses and food.

*Deadline: opened until positions filled*

*To Apply:*
Please send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three (3)
references by e-mail to Martha Bell, Education Director at
mb...@meriresearch.org
.









Martha Bell

Education Director

Marine Environmental Research institute

55 Main St.

P.O. Box 1652

Blue Hill, ME 04614

207- 374-2135



www. meriresearch.org





-- 
Coastal Monitoring Coordinator
Marine Environmental Research Institute
55 Main St.
Blue Hill, ME 04614
207-374-8980
www.meriresearch.org

[ECOLOG-L] Suburban Frogs and Endocrine Disruption

[Max Lambert]

http://frogsaregreen.com/4500/chemical-pollution-in-your-backyard-researching-the-effects-of-endocrine-disruptors-in-suburbia/

My lab mate, Geoff Giller, wrote an article about our work on suburban
pollution and reproductive defects in wild amphibians. He also touches on
crowd-funding websites that seem to be gaining popularity for researchers.

I hope this is interesting to some people out there!

-- 
Max Lambert
MESc Student
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
Fellow, Hixon Center for Urban Ecology 2012-2013
619-990-7242
http://environment.yale.edu/skelly/max.html
https://environment.yale.edu/sigs/rana/

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Bubble production as a way to calculate photosynthetic rate

[malcolm McCallum]

Somewhere in my boxes of books I have a small paperback that is
entitled something like labs in botany.  It is probably from the
1950s, but I don't know where it is right now.  In that book is a
version of the lab of which you speak.

When I taught biology at Belleville Area College (Belleville, IL; now
Southwestern Illinois Community College) we used the lab.  It was one
of the more effective labs.  They used Elodea.  One time I used
Ceratophyllum instead and the bubbles came out so fast you could not
count them.  No kidding. However, that was some healthy Ceratophyllum
under great light in a sodium bicarb solution.  The plants are always
placed in a bicarb solution, not pure water.

Malcolm McCallum
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
School of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri Kansas City

On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 5:17 PM, Jorge A. Santiago-Blay
 wrote:
>  Hello Ecolog-Listers:
>
> Centuries ago, Charles Bonnet reported that submerged plants produced
> bubbles in the presence of light. Now, we know the gas is oxygen and the
> process is photosynthesis. Do you know anyone who reported that before
> Bonnet?
>
> Calculating rate of photosynthesis by using the rate of bubble production
> is widely (?) used in American intro. biology courses. Do you know *since
> when* this exercise became popular? Is it used in other countries?
>
> If you know of a venue more for intro. biology teachers/high school
> teachers, etc. where this questions may be appropriate, please let me
> know.  Some of us in this list may also be intro. bio. teachers. Apologies
> for cross-posting. Will take answers on my email (below). Thank you.
>
> Gratefully,
>
> Jorge Santiago-Blay
> blayjo...@gmail.com



-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
School of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri at Kansas City

Managing Editor,
Herpetological Conservation and Biology

"Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" -
Allan Nation

1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea"  W.S. Gilbert
1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
            and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
          MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
Wealth w/o work
Pleasure w/o conscience
Knowledge w/o character
Commerce w/o morality
Science w/o humanity
Worship w/o sacrifice
Politics w/o principle

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Families in Science - Balancing your personal and professional life

[Robert Hamilton]

I don't think people are nasty because they work hard. In fact, it could
well be that people who don't get as much done get nasty/envious and
backstab more productive people...but I could be wrong about that! I see
"work" as a much higher level social interaction that say "networking".
Working with other people to actually get things done is a lot tougher
than being friendly and fun at parties. I see "the best steel goes
through the fire" as representing that ability, which comes from
motivation. If the issue is productivity then the harder working person,
who is so because they want to do the work, will be the more productive.
Academics very generally have a lot of free time, and can do a lot of
the things we do at our convenience at a place of our choosing. FWIW I
would not take a child into the field because it is too dangerous; you
are focused on something other than being the caregiver of the child in
a situation that has a lot of aspect unfamiliar to the child, but that's
JMHO.

People who spend a lot of time seeking recognition do get some very
transient "success" with their work, but it quickly dissipates and what
stand over time is the well done science that is almost (but not
exclusively) done be people who seek the joy of doing the work over the
gratification of recognition and social status. If the doing of the work
isn't enough for someone, they have unrealistic expectations of life,
IMHO. What someone else thinks is only relevant if and when they are
involved in the work itself. Gossips are losers.

IMHO "work" is the real social activity we do that makes a difference.
It's the doing of it that counts. I don't see the point of spending too
much time seeking amusement. Doing something is far more fulfilling than
watching something; and you can take that wherever you want to go with
it! ;^) Children will be happy interacting with other children, and
don't need Mom and Dad in their face 24/7; maybe 2/7 would work better,
and in our jobs, there is really no problem finding that 2.

Family is no excuse for non-productivity. In fact, not opinion, using
family as such an excuse is somewhat despicable!

Robert Hamilton, PhD
Professor of Biology
Alice Lloyd College
Pippa Passes, KY 41844


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Martin Meiss
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 11:53 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Families in Science - Balancing your personal
and professional life

  Interesting observations, Robert H., perhaps summed up by the
metaphor "The best steel goes through the fire."  But what does it imply
for implementing social policy, or academic policy?  Deliberately harsh
or downright brutal conditions might be appropriate for training Navy
Seals, and tough ghetto conditions might produce the best boxers, but
should this apply in academia?  Aren't high academic standards and
intellectual rigor better tools for training productive scientists?

  And if these high standards are not accompanied by things like
support for family and other "work/life balance" issues, what are we
selecting for?  The most ruthless, cutthroat competitors?  Such people
might be very poor at the cooperative aspects of science, and so science
would suffer.

  Would we be selecting for people with "iron constitutions" that
makes them resistant to ulcers and mental breakdown?  Perhaps, but
people who might be "weak" by this criterion could have brilliant minds
that would make great contributions.

  Are we really in danger of making life so cushy for students and
scientists that they will grow complacent, slack off on their work, and
merely warm their academic chairs?  And even if scientific productivity
were to fall off a bit, is that the end of the world?

  I think that harsh conditions, such as those imposed by
totalitarian regimes, can boost performance in the short term, but in
the long run it is unstable.  People hate it and they rebel against it
by passive/aggressive non-cooperations,, voting with their feet,
sabotage, etc.  The history of the twentieth century shows this.  And
smart, qualified people leaving academia shows it, even if less
dramatically.

 I think these are factors we should bear in mind when considering
how the academic life should be structured.


Martin M. Meiss


2012/4/30 Robert Hamilton 

> I have had both young men and young women (much more often young 
> women) in my classes who are/were single parents, working and going to

> school full time and raising children. IMHO they have a much better 
> sense of the urgency of life, and while they are not the top students,

> the ones that get through do very well, much better (in general) than 
> those who simply live in a dorm or some rental housing of some sort 
> and do nothing they are obliged to do but go to school. JMHO again, 
> but it seems that those who are given a tough row to hoe early in 
> life,

[ECOLOG-L] UBC's TerreWEB program

[David Inouye]

I am an assistant at the University of British Columbia's TerreWEB 
(Terrestrial Research on Ecosystem & World-wide Education & 
Broadcast) program, and was hoping to inquire after posting a call 
out to applications through the Ecological Society of America. We are 
currently trying to promote our program, which receives funding 
through NSERC (National Science and Engineering Research Council of 
Canada), to potential masters, Ph.D. and post-doctoral students. The 
ESA was identified as a place that potential TerreWEB students might 
look for more information about furthering their studies. The call 
that we wish to post would go as follows:


Call for Masters, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows:
The NSERC-CREATE funded initiative TerreWEB (Terrestrial Research on 
Ecosystem & World-wide Education & Broadcast), at the University of 
British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, has funding opportunities for 
Masters, PhD and post-doctoral fellows available.
National and international Students and post-docs from diverse 
academic backgrounds with interest in research and communication of 
global change / climate change issues are encouraged to apply. 
Deadlines are bi-annual (May 1, and December 1st). For further visit 
www.terreweb.ubc.ca


Please let me know if you would be willing to help us post this call.

Cheers,

Carolyn King
Assistant, TerreWEB
Special Events Coordinator, Forestry Undergraduate Society
President-Elect, Pacific Regional Society of Soil Science
University of British Columbia
(778)-991-2300

[ECOLOG-L] Training Opportunity: Conservation Masterclass

[Chris Poonian]

The Conservation Masterclass is an innovative training opportunity, running
at various locations around the world in 2012.

The Masterclass is a specialised practical training programme designed to
give aspiring conservation professionals a competitive advantage in
finding employment
within the international conservation sector.

You can find out more about the Masterclass here:
http://c-3.org.uk/masterclass.php

Locations for the Masterclass include:

July 2012 - Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
September 2012 - St Katherine's Protectorate, South Sinai
December 2012 - Busuanga Island, Philippines

If interested, please send a CV to vacanc...@c-3.org.uk

[ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[John Mickelson]

Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this 
heavily urbanized setting.

Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a 
lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) "really" serve 
as habitat.

Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and 
fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should they 
really form a core element within 
a comprehensive urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John

[ECOLOG-L] MS Position - Galapagos lizards

[Ruhland, Christopher T]

MS Biology Graduate Student wanted for research project on the evolution of
mating systems in Galapagos lizards.  Student will learn microsatellite DNA
laboratory techniques to identify parent- offspring relationships using
tissues sent from the Galapagos.  Student can apply for a 9-mo Teaching
Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State
University, Mankato MN 56001.  Send CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three
references (name, email address, & phone number only) to  Dr. John D. Krenz,
john.kr...@mnsu.edu.

[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting: Research Assistant at the University of Connecticut in Storrs

[Mark Urban]

University of Connecticut
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Research Assistant I
Aquatic Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Laboratory

The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of
Connecticut has one opening for a full-time Research Assistant I position
beginning June 1st at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. The
responsibilities include performing experiments in the areas of ecology and
evolutionary biology, conducting field work in remote locations, identifying
aquatic organisms, maintaining laboratory animal populations, and general
lab maintenance. The applicant would be involved in all aspects of field and
laboratory work that evaluates the evolutionary ecology of aquatic food webs.

Minimum Qualifications:  A bachelor's degree with no post-degree experience
in ecology, evolutionary biology, biology, or a related field is required by
the start date; a working knowledge of scientific practices; and the ability
to operate, maintain, trouble-shoot and resolve ordinary problems with lab
instruments and equipment is required.

Preferred Qualifications: A Master's degree in the fields listed above;
research experience with zooplankton or amphibians or more generally in
freshwater ponds; ability to identify zooplankton samples; experience with
maintaining laboratory cultures of zooplankton; ability to care for and
maintain amphibian populations; experience conducting wild animal surveys
and experiments in remote field locations; the ability to maintain
laboratory and outdoor experiments, especially in lentic habitats; and use
of standard equipment in an aquatic laboratory.

This is an end date position, renewable annually depending on funding and
performance.

Please apply online using Husky Hire
http://www.jobs.uconn.edu/cg_interim.html where you should submit a CV, a
one-page summary of research experience, and the names of three references.
 Screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.



Cheers,

Mark

Mark C. Urban
Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Connecticut
Biopharm building Room 200A
75 N. Eagleville Rd., Unit 3043
Storrs, CT 06269-3043

Email: mark.ur...@uconn.edu
Office: 860-486-6113
Lab: 860-486-6154
Website: http://hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/people/urban/

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Gould, William A -FS]

Hi John,

There is such a fundamental difference between impervious surfaces and living 
soil and vegetation that I think it is a good idea to include any kind of 
managed land with things growing on it as part of the conservation picture.

BG



William Gould, Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
International Institute of Tropical Forestry
Jardín Botánico Sur
1201 Calle Ceiba
Río Piedras PR  00926-1119
Telephone:787-766-5335 ext. 302, fax:787-766-6302
wgo...@fs.fed.us



-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of John Mickelson
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 2:39 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this 
heavily urbanized setting.

Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a 
lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) "really" serve 
as habitat.

Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and 
fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should they 
really form a core element within a comprehensive urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John





This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for 
the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the 
use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and 
subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have 
received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email 
immediately.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Max Lambert]

I've been surveying Connecticut suburban areas for the past few months and
have been thinking similar things. As far as amphibians are concerned, you
get ubiquitous, development-tolerant species like bullfrogs (*Rana
catesbeiana*) and green frogs (*R. clamitans*) but *not* infrequently you
also get American toads (*Bufo americanus*) and gray tree frogs (*Hyla
versicolor*). However, you tend to lose species, like wood frogs (*R.
sylvatica*) and spring peepers (*Pseudacris crucifer*), which are more
forest-dependent. There is some literature on the use of golf courses as
amphibian habitat but I haven't come across cemeteries specifically.

In Connecticut, for something like turtles, you tend to only get common
species like painted turtles (*Chrysemys picta*) and snapping turtles
(*Chelydra
serpentina*) and occasionally species like stinkpots (*Sternotherus odoratus
*) in urbanized regions. From a turtle (and maybe frog) perspective,
something like a cemetery could be an interesting "habitat feature" as one
would imagine there to be fewer herpetofaunal introductions in cemetery
waterways.

Something like a cemetery as core habitat would probably depend on the taxa
in question.

-Max

On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 2:39 PM, John Mickelson  wrote:

> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in
> this heavily urbanized setting.
>
> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and,
> to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...)
> "really" serve as habitat.
>
> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora
> and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should
> they really form a core element within
> a comprehensive urban conservation plan?
>
> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>
> -John
>



-- 
Max Lambert
MESc Student
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
Fellow, Hixon Center for Urban Ecology 2012-2013
619-990-7242
http://environment.yale.edu/skelly/max.html
https://environment.yale.edu/sigs/rana/

[ECOLOG-L] Sensor Workshop June 11-12, 2012

[Lesley Knoll]

We are excited to announce the upcoming “Lacawac Ecological Observatory
Workshop (LEOW)” to be held June 11-12, 2012 at Lacawac Sanctuary in Lake
Ariel, Pennsylvania (http://www.lacawac.org/). This workshop is being held
with Kent State University and Miami University’s NSF Environmental Aquatic
Resource Sensing IGERT program (http://biology.kent.edu/IGERT/). LEOW will
focus on buoy technologies, advanced sensors, and management/analysis of
large ecological datasets. 
 
Agenda: http://www.lacawac.org/docs/leow_agenda.pdf

Registration: http://www.lacawac.org/docs/registration_form.pdf 

Registration must be received by May 25, 2012. More information can be found
at http://www.lacawac.org/?p=94

Please contact Lesley Knoll (lesley.kn...@lacawac.org) if you have any
questions about the workshop.
 
Thanks from the LEOW organizing committee,
Lesley Knoll, Jennie Brentrup, Margaret Gaglione, Bruce Hargreaves, Kevin
Rose, and Craig Williamson

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Lauren A Bailey]

I'm not an expert (but rather, someone with a deep interest) in urban  
ecology, but my understanding is that areas like cemeteries,  
ballfields, golf courses, etc., often act as ecological traps,  
providing enough low-quality habitat to foster low-levels of  
biodiversity, but preventing species from adequately thriving and  
reproducing into successive generations.


My thoughts are that these low-quality habitats should be considered  
in a comprehensive urban management plan, with the caveat that they  
are not areas where you would expect high levels of biodiversity, and  
that they could potentially create localized scenarios of diminishing  
diversity.  However, there is research out there that show that  
effective habitat management (especially in places like golf courses  
and parks) can increase habitat suitability to the point of  
encouraging sustainable rates of biodiversity.  But please, someone  
with more expertise in this area, correct me if I'm wrong.


-Lauren



 Quoting John Mickelson :

Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity  
in this heavily urbanized setting.


Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries  
(and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses  
etc...) "really" serve as habitat.


Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of  
flora and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed  
programs), but should they really form a core element within 

a comprehensive urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Russell L. Burke]

And many NYC cemeteries have introduced Italian wall lizards, Podarcis siculus. 
  They do very well in such habitats.
RBurke

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Max Lambert
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 3:33 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

I've been surveying Connecticut suburban areas for the past few months and have 
been thinking similar things. As far as amphibians are concerned, you get 
ubiquitous, development-tolerant species like bullfrogs (*Rana
catesbeiana*) and green frogs (*R. clamitans*) but *not* infrequently you also 
get American toads (*Bufo americanus*) and gray tree frogs (*Hyla versicolor*). 
However, you tend to lose species, like wood frogs (*R.
sylvatica*) and spring peepers (*Pseudacris crucifer*), which are more 
forest-dependent. There is some literature on the use of golf courses as 
amphibian habitat but I haven't come across cemeteries specifically.

In Connecticut, for something like turtles, you tend to only get common species 
like painted turtles (*Chrysemys picta*) and snapping turtles (*Chelydra
serpentina*) and occasionally species like stinkpots (*Sternotherus odoratus
*) in urbanized regions. From a turtle (and maybe frog) perspective, something 
like a cemetery could be an interesting "habitat feature" as one would imagine 
there to be fewer herpetofaunal introductions in cemetery waterways.

Something like a cemetery as core habitat would probably depend on the taxa in 
question.

-Max

On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 2:39 PM, John Mickelson  wrote:

> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity 
> in this heavily urbanized setting.
>
> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries 
> (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses 
> etc...) "really" serve as habitat.
>
> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of 
> flora and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), 
> but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive 
> urban conservation plan?
>
> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>
> -John
>



--
Max Lambert
MESc Student
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University Fellow, Hixon 
Center for Urban Ecology 2012-2013
619-990-7242
http://environment.yale.edu/skelly/max.html
https://environment.yale.edu/sigs/rana/

[ECOLOG-L] Assistant needed, butterfly ecology in the Peruvian Amazon

[Geoffrey Gallice]

I’m currently looking for field assistants to help me study butterfly abundance 
and niche breadth in 
the southern Peruvian Amazon, as part of my PhD research on Neotropical 
butterfly ecology at the 
University of Florida.

LOCATION
Field work will be conducted at the Los Amigos Biological Station (CICRA), in 
the heart of the 
mega-diverse southern Peruvian Amazon. The station is remote, and conditions 
are often hot and 
humid with many biting insects at times. However, the site provides access to 
some of the most 
pristine forest habitats and undisturbed plant and animal communities in the 
region. For more 
information see the CICRA website:
http://www.amazonconservation.org/ourwork/research.html

DURATION
Work will begin September 2012 and continue to August 2013. Assistants are 
needed for the 
entire duration of the field season (1 year), with a minimum commitment of 3 
months, although a 
stay of 6 months will be preferred. 

ASSISTANT DUTIES
Assistants will help with multiple tasks, including:

-Searching potential host plants for immature butterflies
-Rearing immature butterflies to adulthood in the field lab
-Host plant data collection and vouchering
-Butterfly sampling, using hand-nets and baited traps

Work can be demanding and assistants should be in good physical condition. We 
work long hours 
(8+ hours per day), 5-6 days per week. No salary is available, but fees at the 
field site and local 
transportation from/back to Puerto Maldonado will be covered. No skills or 
experience are 
required, but knowledge of tropical plants/insects and Spanish will be useful. 
Assistants will gain 
experience in plant and butterfly ID, GPS/mapping, tree-climbing (optional), 
insect rearing, and 
various other tropical Lepidoptera field methods. There will also be 
opportunities for development 
of a personal project or collaboration using data gathered in the field. 

Those interested should send a current CV and a brief statement of interest to 
Geoff Gallice: 
ggall...@ufl.edu

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Paul Cherubini]

On May 2, 2012, at 11:39 AM, John Mickelson wrote:


Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which
cemeteries (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds,
golf courses etc...) "really" serve as habitat.


Along the California coast, native monarch butterflies
routinely use cemetery and golf course fairway trees
as overwintering cluster sites:

San Luis Cemetery, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrEBTFAlEdw

Monarch Bay Golf Course, San Leandro, Calif.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77NIWVT9fHA

Morro Bay State Park Golf Course, Morro Bay, Calif.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX70cjtX29k

Chuck Corica Golf Course, Alameda, Calif.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdLm-Gr5A9E

Paul Cherubini
El Dorado, Calif.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Brady Simmons]

There is some really interesting research coming out of all these urban
areas, green roofs, cemeteries, vacant lots - especially in the arthropod
communities.  They definitely have value on the micro as well as macro
scale - although it hasn't all been quantified yet.

Brady Simmons
NYC Parks

On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 2:39 PM, John Mickelson  wrote:

> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in
> this heavily urbanized setting.
>
> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and,
> to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...)
> "really" serve as habitat.
>
> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora
> and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should
> they really form a core element within
> a comprehensive urban conservation plan?
>
> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>
> -John
>

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Corbin, Jeffrey D.]

John - This fits firmly into the evolving concept of "Novel Ecosystems". They 
may provide some very useful ecosystem services (speaking of another evolving 
concept) and, in any case, are widespread on the landscape. If we only focus on 
the "pristine," we will wind up with little to study - or protect - and miss 
out on some areas that may be very interesting besides.

Among the writings about them are Hobbs and colleagues in Frontiers and TREE; 
also Emma Marris' recent book "Rambunctious Garden".

Cheers!

-Jeff

***
Jeffrey D. Corbin
Department of Biological Sciences
Union College
Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 388-6097
***

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of John Mickelson
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 2:39 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this 
heavily urbanized setting.

Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a 
lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) "really" serve 
as habitat.

Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and 
fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should they 
really form a core element within a comprehensive urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John

[ECOLOG-L] Some feedback about the NSF pre-proposal process

[David Inouye]

http 
://scientopia.org/blogs/proflikesubstance/2012/04/16/what-i-learned-at-an-nsf-bio-preproposal-panel/ 



http://scientopia.org/blogs/proflikesubstance/2012/05/02/nsf-preproposals-now-what/

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Judith S. Weis]

I find it hard to imagine that golf courses are as good as cemeteries for
habitat since they are loaded with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides
and every other kind of -cide you can imagine. Any wildlife that lives
there must be loaded with toxic chemicals.


> I'm not an expert (but rather, someone with a deep interest) in urban
> ecology, but my understanding is that areas like cemeteries,
> ballfields, golf courses, etc., often act as ecological traps,
> providing enough low-quality habitat to foster low-levels of
> biodiversity, but preventing species from adequately thriving and
> reproducing into successive generations.
>
> My thoughts are that these low-quality habitats should be considered
> in a comprehensive urban management plan, with the caveat that they
> are not areas where you would expect high levels of biodiversity, and
> that they could potentially create localized scenarios of diminishing
> diversity.  However, there is research out there that show that
> effective habitat management (especially in places like golf courses
> and parks) can increase habitat suitability to the point of
> encouraging sustainable rates of biodiversity.  But please, someone
> with more expertise in this area, correct me if I'm wrong.
>
> -Lauren
>
>
>
>   Quoting John Mickelson :
>
>> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity
>> in this heavily urbanized setting.
>>
>> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries
>> (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses
>> etc...) "really" serve as habitat.
>>
>> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of
>> flora and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed
>> programs), but should they really form a core element within 
>> a comprehensive urban conservation plan?
>>
>> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>>
>> -John
>>
>

[ECOLOG-L] MS Position - Galapagos lizards

[Ruhland, Christopher T]

MS Biology Graduate Student wanted for research project on the evolution of 
mating systems in Galapagos lizards.  Student will learn microsatellite DNA 
laboratory techniques to identify parent- offspring relationships using tissues 
sent from the Galapagos.  Student can apply for a 9-mo Teaching Assistantship 
in the Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato 
MN 56001.  Send CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three references (name, 
email address, & phone number only) to  Dr. John D. Krenz, john.kr...@mnsu.edu.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[David Burg]

Hi John, nice to see your post.   Having looked at this issue for years, I
think the short answer is such places can be important for some species, at
some times, even as they may also be sinks for other species.   Of course
all depends on variables such as site size, site conditions, landscape
context, and site management.  And I would also include former landfills in
the category of semi-important urban habitat.

Old Cemeteries in NE US with good forest canopy (especially oaks) are
famous for their neotropical migrants.  Mt Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge
Mass. and Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn are reknowned in that regard.
Mt. Auburn is one of the top places to bird in the Boston area.   But
neither site is anywhere near as useful for breeding birds.  Urban Golf
courses can be important; for example  in the Bronx two cemeteries have
repeatedly hosted coyote dens, and a few years ago one had the only recent
blue bird nest in NYC.  The sites near big parks get the most interesting
species, as would be expected.Ballfields near big parks often support
birds that like short grass.  Canada geese, of course, but also migrant
grassland obligates such as savanna sparrows.   Same is true of some
cemetaries, St. Charles cemetery on Long Island is well known for golden
plover and other species in fall migration.

A big concern is how much pesticide these places use.  I am told it can be
a lot.  This would seem to make them a sink for many species, especially
sensitive herps and amphibians, as well as invertebrates.   Of course, with
intelligent management, even small sites can harbor interesting plants and
pollinators.

I close with an unusual case history.  Out on Staten Island there is a
cluster of cemeteries near the Richmondtown Historic area ( a nice museum
collection of rescued old buildings).  The area also has a golf course and
a very large forested "Greenbelt" park.  As is common in cities, there are
neighboring cemeteries for people of varied religious and ethnic
backgrounds.   I was particularly fond of the Hebrew Free Burial Society's
cemetery.   Originally established as a burial site in the 1800s by
pre-Soviet Marxist immigrants, there were even memorial  stones decorated
with carved hammers and sickles.  As that group dissolved, it became a
burial ground for the indigent.   When I discovered it in the late 1980's
it was barely maintained, and it harbored a diverse array of "prairie"
flora, dominated by Indian grass, Sorgastrum Nutans.  In the US midwest
such old cemeteries are well known as refugia for prairie plants,   Sadly,
in the early 1990s the place was bought up by recent Russian immigrants.
First thing they did was to destroy any stones with old marxist images.
Next, they "cleaned" up all the unsightly "weeds", destroying pretty much
any biological value of the place.  Just one example of how site management
decisions can have regional ecological impacts.

Looking forward to following this thread.
David Burg, WildMetro

On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 6:39 PM, John Mickelson  wrote:

> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in
> this heavily urbanized setting.
>
> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and,
> to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...)
> "really" serve as habitat.
>
> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora
> and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should
> they really form a core element within
> a comprehensive urban conservation plan?
>
> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>
> -John
>

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[James J. Roper]

Everything is habitat for something. Now that we got the obvious out of 
the way, to me the real question is, can these urban offspring be used 
in a meaningful way as habitat for something that matters? And, 
unfortunately, the only reason cemeteries and golf courses exist is 
because they generate a lot of profit (for somebody). To turn them into 
meaningful habitat would require a cut in profits, and nobody getting 
those profits is going to want to do that.


On 12/05/02 15:39, John Mickelson wrote:

Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this 
heavily urbanized setting.

Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to a lesser 
extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) "really" serve as 
habitat.

Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and fauna 
(presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should they really 
form a core element within
a comprehensive urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Duncan Thomas]

hi, John:

you probably know this already, but the Jacksonville Oregon cemetery is an
important site for the protection of the endangered lily, Fritillaria
gentneri, and supports a large population. It is managed to protect the
lily (as well as for normal cemetery things)

Duncan Thomas

http://www.fws.gov/ecos/ajax/docs/recovery_plan/030828.pdf

http://www.npsoregon.org/kalmiopsis/kalmiopsis12/gentners.pdf


On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 11:39 AM, John Mickelson  wrote:

> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in
> this heavily urbanized setting.
>
> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and,
> to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...)
> "really" serve as habitat.
>
> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora
> and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should
> they really form a core element within
> a comprehensive urban conservation plan?
>
> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>
> -John
>

[ECOLOG-L] Opportunity to collaborate on a PVA paper

[Nabin Baral]

Hello List Members: I am soliciting your interest to collaborate on a PVA 
paper. I have been collecting data on populations of Critically Endangered Gyps 
Vultures since 2002. Since the past few years, I have been thinking of writing 
a paper on population viability analysis, but now I am committed to it. I know 
something about theory behind the PVA, but I need some help in actually doing 
the analysis with some software programs. This is the reason I am writing to 
you.

If any of you are interested in allocating some time to teach me how to run the 
analysis and co-authoring the manuscript, please reply me off list. My rough 
estimate is that the prospective collaborator should aim to allocate around 10 
hours of time. I would take the lead in all aspects of the manuscript 
preparation. We can discuss more about the project and procedures via email.

The ideal collaboarator would be someone who has already published at least one 
manuscript on PVA.

Thank you for your response.

Sincerely,
Nabin Baral, PhD
Blacksburg, Virginia 24060

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Juan P Alvez]

John, 

You raised an interesting question.
I just have a comment. A few years back I taught a class called "Restoring
Ecosystems Across the Landscape". Among the projects we proposed, was one on
a wildlife park in Charlotte, Vermont with a couple of degraded 25-acre corn
fields. One of the proposed sub-projects was to establish an eco-cemetery in
one of these fields where, for every person buried there, three or four
native trees were planted. The idea was to create a future forest restoring
the degraded corn fields reestablishing forest connectivity and thus,
habitat for biodiversity.
Just my 2 cts!

Cheers,
Juan


..
Juan P. Alvez, Ph.D.
Gund Institute for Ecological Economics
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
The University of Vermont
.


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Duncan Thomas
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 4:55 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

hi, John:

you probably know this already, but the Jacksonville Oregon cemetery is an
important site for the protection of the endangered lily, Fritillaria
gentneri, and supports a large population. It is managed to protect the lily
(as well as for normal cemetery things)

Duncan Thomas

http://www.fws.gov/ecos/ajax/docs/recovery_plan/030828.pdf

http://www.npsoregon.org/kalmiopsis/kalmiopsis12/gentners.pdf


On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 11:39 AM, John Mickelson  wrote:

> Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity 
> in this heavily urbanized setting.
>
> Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries 
> (and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses 
> etc...) "really" serve as habitat.
>
> Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of 
> flora and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), 
> but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive 
> urban conservation plan?
>
> I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
>
> -John
>

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Martin Meiss]

While I was doing my thesis research I traveled from Maine to Florida
taking pictures of trees.  I was specifically interested in open grown
crowns whose shape had not been modified by pruning, as city street trees
usually are.  Not surprisingly, cemeteries were one of my best sources.
For many species, cemeteries are tree heaven: lots of sun and little or no
competition above ground or below.  Though I don't have data, I expect that
such trees are vastly more productive of fruits/seeds than their forest
counterparts, and thus may be an important food resource for migratory and
resident animals.  Also, in many areas cemeteries adjoin undeveloped
(though disturbed) woods, and so they provide that "fringe habitat" that is
useful to many species.

Lastly, I think we are showing some vertebrate chauvinism here in
considering mostly birds, mammals, and herps.  Cemeteries are also good
places for worms (heh, heh), insects, fungus, mosses and lots of other
"insignificant" species that need a place to live that is better than
asphalt or concrete.

Martin M. Meiss

2012/5/2 Duncan Thomas 

> hi, John:
>
> you probably know this already, but the Jacksonville Oregon cemetery is an
> important site for the protection of the endangered lily, Fritillaria
> gentneri, and supports a large population. It is managed to protect the
> lily (as well as for normal cemetery things)
>
> Duncan Thomas
>
> http://www.fws.gov/ecos/ajax/docs/recovery_plan/030828.pdf
>
> http://www.npsoregon.org/kalmiopsis/kalmiopsis12/gentners.pdf
>
>
> On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 11:39 AM, John Mickelson 
> wrote:
>
> > Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in
> > this heavily urbanized setting.
> >
> > Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries
> (and,
> > to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...)
> > "really" serve as habitat.
> >
> > Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora
> > and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but
> should
> > they really form a core element within
> > a comprehensive urban conservation plan?
> >
> > I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?
> >
> > -John
> >
>

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Wayne Tyson]

I recall that in "Trees and Shrubs of the Witwatersrand," it mentioned that 
graveyards were the only places that some indigenous species could be found, 
so roundly trounced had been the indigenous vegetation in South Africa.


As to policy, it would be fraudulent to equate a cemetery or a golf course 
with the ecosystem that was destroyed in order to "create" it.


WT

PS:

If there are cultural influences in an ecosystem, and some of the organisms 
that depended upon those influences for their survival, reproduction, and 
persistence as a viable population die when those influences are removed, 
they were not elements of an ecosystem--unless one wishes to insist that 
culture is "part" of "the" ecosystem. But regardless of what term is used, 
the underlying facts remain clear that there is a difference between 
culture-dependent assemblages of organisms and those which can persist 
without cultural influences.


In graveyards and other culturally-created places, however, the resilience 
of indigenous ecosystems is widely demonstrated by "invasions" of indigenous 
organisms. Organisms simply do what they can, when they can, where they can. 
And culture giveth, and culture taketh away . . .





- Original Message - 
From: "John Mickelson" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 11:39 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat


Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this 
heavily urbanized setting.


Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, 
to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) "really" 
serve as habitat.


Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora 
and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should 
they really form a core element within

a comprehensive urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2411/4973 - Release Date: 05/02/12

[ECOLOG-L] Ecosystem resilience and colonization study opportunity? Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

[Wayne Tyson]

Juan (and Ecolog):

This project strikes me (I must confess that most such projects strike me) 
as a great opportunity to start with a known baseline like the cornfield and 
some trees, then follow the changes to the baseline over time. I hope this 
has been done; if so, the results should be enlightening, even after a few 
months or years.


If this hasn't been done here, why don't we start a list of places where it 
has been done?


WT


- Original Message - 
From: "Juan P Alvez" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 6:14 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat



John,

You raised an interesting question.
I just have a comment. A few years back I taught a class called "Restoring
Ecosystems Across the Landscape". Among the projects we proposed, was one 
on
a wildlife park in Charlotte, Vermont with a couple of degraded 25-acre 
corn
fields. One of the proposed sub-projects was to establish an eco-cemetery 
in

one of these fields where, for every person buried there, three or four
native trees were planted. The idea was to create a future forest 
restoring

the degraded corn fields reestablishing forest connectivity and thus,
habitat for biodiversity.
Just my 2 cts!

Cheers,
Juan


..
Juan P. Alvez, Ph.D.
Gund Institute for Ecological Economics
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
The University of Vermont
.


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Duncan Thomas
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 4:55 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Cemeteries as habitat

hi, John:

you probably know this already, but the Jacksonville Oregon cemetery is an
important site for the protection of the endangered lily, Fritillaria
gentneri, and supports a large population. It is managed to protect the 
lily

(as well as for normal cemetery things)

Duncan Thomas

http://www.fws.gov/ecos/ajax/docs/recovery_plan/030828.pdf

http://www.npsoregon.org/kalmiopsis/kalmiopsis12/gentners.pdf


On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 11:39 AM, John Mickelson  
wrote:



Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity
in this heavily urbanized setting.

Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries
(and, to a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses
etc...) "really" serve as habitat.

Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of
flora and fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs),
but should they really form a core element within a comprehensive
urban conservation plan?

I'm finding myself able to argue both sides. thoughts?

-John




-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2411/4973 - Release Date: 05/02/12

Re: [ECOLOG-L] microsat software

[Matthew Peter Hill]

As I understand it there is only really GeneMapper and GeneMarker to create
bins and score alleles.

I think both require manual tweaking to score stuttered peaks correctly (I
only use GeneMapper, imagine GeneMarker is same).

Related to this, if anyone knows of any open source development to handle
this type of microsat data, would be very welcome.

Cheers, 

Matt

On 2/05/12 4:11 PM, "Cyd E. Hamilton"  wrote:

> Hello,
> I need software (other than GeneMapper) to help read microsat results and bin
> the peaks.  Many of the peaks have stutters and so GeneMapper is not able to
> distinguish peaks and bin them.  Is there software available to save time
> while also being trustworthy or at least sufficient to check the word 'done by
> hand'?
> Thanks
>