Greetings from the Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research!

January 8 , 2007

Topics At A Glance

MPC's December Newsletter -- Congratulations!! -- Forestry Seminars -- AZAEP Scholarships -- Fellowships, Jobs, Internships -- ESA Biofuels Poster Abstracts -- Quivera Conference -- Bat Conservation Workshops -- Conference on the Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Pollinator Interactions -- Journal of Sustainable Development -- New Books: The Evolutionary Biology of Herbivorous Insects, and The Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water -- "Open Choice" from Population Ecology -- US Green Building Council's new Sustainable Sites Initiative -- Jobs

Link to Merriam-Powell Center December 2007 newsletter:

http://www.mpcer.nau.edu/newsletter/dec07_newsletter.pdf

 

Congratulations!!

Did you happen to hear the whisper of wedding bells over the holidays? Well, you heard right! Our own Dr. Neil Cobb and Ms. Zhuoting Wu 'tied the knot' here in Flagstaff on December 17. Neil is Director for the Merriam-Powell Center and Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. Zhuoting, originally from Beijing, is a graduate student in Biological Sciences, working in the Hungate Laboratory. A reception in honor of the happy couple is being planned, and invitations will follow. For now, please join me in congratulating Neil and Zhuoting and wishing them a lifetime of happiness together. Maribeth

Forestry Seminars

Jan 23 - Dave Mills, Tusayan Ranger District, 'Restoring fire dependent ecosystems, a case study ' Host: Larissa Yocom
Jan 30 - Norris Dodd and Jeff Gagnon, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 'Evaluation of measures to reduce elk vehicle collisions and promote permeability " Host: Tabitha Graves

Summer Intern Host Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona University is soliciting intern host sites from around the nation for the 2008 Environmental Summer Internship Program. Undergraduate and graduate students interested in environmental or related careers (law, policy, management, engineering, science, etc.) will be selected by ITEP to work in tribal environ mental offices, regional EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations for ten weeks, from approximately June through August. As an intern host you gain a dedicated intern who will complete a new or on-going project directly related to air quality, which will benefit the student, your agency and the environment. ITEP will choose host sites based on how well the projects match interns' credentials and skills. ITEP will provide each student intern with a $4,000 stipend, with housing and travel allowances available as needed. Project requirements: Projects must be oriented toward air quality and its environmental impacts. Project that is beyond general secretarial/clerical support but feasible, relative to intern's qualifications and time requirements. Project must have an identifiable supervisor/mentor that is on location and committed to the interns' professional and academic development. The mentor will also need to provide the intern with orientation and guidance to the new area and culture. Sufficient space, facilities and resources to support the project (designated work space, computer, phone, Internet access)

Please submit an Application to Host a Summer Intern, outlining the following: Type of project on which the student will be working, and how it relates to air quality, Activities in which the student will be involved (i.e. technical, field work, legislative, meetings, travel, policies, conferences). Special skills required/desired for your project. Name of immediate supervisor and mentor. Local housing options and contact information. Host applications must be submitted online at http://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_host.asp or received on or before January 15, 200 For more information or help with the application please contact: Matthew A. Zierenberg, Internship Program Coordinator, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, P.O. Box 5768, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, (928) 523-8864/1496, Email: Matthew.Zierenberg@NAU.EDU

The Arizona Association of Environmental Professionals (AZAEP)

...seeks outstanding students for the Future Environmental Professionals Scholarship. Four (4) scholarships of $1,000.00 each, plus a one year student membership in AZAEP and NAEP will be awarded. The objective of the scholarship is to assist undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled full-time in an accredited Arizona college or university to complete a degree program in preparation for a career as an environmental professional. Students must be enrolled full-time as stipulated by their program requirements. Students graduating in Spring or Summer 2008 are not eligible. Patty West, The Ecological Monitoring & Assessment (EMA) Program Northern Arizona University , 928-523-0736, Patty.West@nau.edu

Positions are available in the western United States beginning January and June, 2008

The Conservation and Land Management Fellowship Program is a partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Bureau of Land Management, National Parks Service and the USDA Forest Service. Duties may include: plant and wildlife monitoring and mapping; endangered species reintroduction; invasive species management; geographic data acquisition and analysis; biological assessments, sensitive species lists and conservation plans; fire ecology; land use planning; archaeology-related activities; recreation areas management; rangeland assessments; seed collection. Fellows participate in a one-week training course held in late May in Chicago. Travel and lodging expenses will be covered. Training includes: BLM/NPS/FS orientation; Endangered Species Act and associated programs; plant and animal identification and monitoring; GIS and mapping; and topographical map reading and GPS skills.
Compensation is $750.00/pay period (every two weeks) How to Apply: Send a letter of interest, official school transcript(s), resume and three letters of recommendation as one package by February 15, 2008 (December 15, 2007 for the earlier start date) to: Cynthia Scott, CLM Fellowship Program, Chicago Botanic Garden, Division of Plant Science and Conservation, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, Ph: 847-835-6917 cscott@chicagobotanic.org

This Fellowship opportunity may also be conducted as a research component of a Masters program with Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. For application information, visit: http://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu
For more information visit: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/research/conservation/blm/

 

Job Announcement, Ecology and Molecular biology of disease, Full time research associate

Full time, permanent research associate position open January, 2008. Disease ecology research program at the University of California, Berkeley seeks research associate to support Lyme disease ecology project. This research program is in the laboratories of Dr. Cheryl Briggs (UCSB) and Wayne Sousa (UCB) and focuses on the relationship between habitat and Lyme disease dynamics. Specifically, we investigate the influence of habitat characteristics on the population ecology of small mammals and lizards and their interactions with the disease vector, the western black-legged tick.

Position is primarily laboratory-based and will assist with molecular work and processing of field-collected samples. Duties include animal tissue extraction (primarily small mammal and tick samples), real-time PCR, nested PCR, and sequencing. In addition to laboratory duties, the successful applicant will be required to maintain a database of samples both from the field and the laboratory. There may be some opportunities for field work in Marin and Monterey Counties as well.

Requirements include a bachelors degree in biology or related field and prior laboratory experience, preferably with PCR and sequencing. Other desirable qualities include attention to detail, organizational skills, strong self-motivation, and the ability to work independently.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately. Please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references to: Andrea Swei , swei@berkeley.edu

 

EARTHWATCH INSTITUTE

Field Director, North America Climate Change Field Center Located at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland

Earthwatch Institute is an international environmental organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Our research program focuses on Climate Change; the sustainable management of resources; oceans; and communities in order to better understand critical environmental issues and inform and influence local agendas.

We are embarking on an exciting new program with HSBC Bank and several international NGO partners, furthering our strong experience of corporate and NGO partnerships. This global, 5 year program aims to reduce the impacts of Climate Change on people and their livelihoods, by promoting action in some of the world's major cities, river basins and ecosystems. Earthwatch's research focus within this partnership will be to investigate climate change impacts on forest ecosystems, including the link to anthropogenic disturbance. This Field Center will be located at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland. The Field Director will have work space at SERC and will be collaborating with SERC employees.

Qualifications - Strong familiarity with the region and with environmental issues within the Chesapeake Bay area, with proven networks in the environmental and education communities.

M.S. plus 3 -- 7 years of field research experience. Preference will be given to those candidates possessing a background in forest ecology. Demonstrated leadership skills, ideally with teams in the field, Excellent track record in people and project management , Excellent communication skills, Proven logistical planning, organizational and financial , management skills, As required by the federally-funded research partner, be willing to submit to a background check.

Salary range: $55,000 - $60,000. Competitive benefit package including 20 days of Paid Time Off. Due to limited time and financial resources we are only able to accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States for any employer.

Please submit cover letter and CV to hr@earthwatch.org fax: 978-897-0935; mail: Earthwatch Institute, PO Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754 USA, Position open until filled.

 

Laboratory Assistant Position

A Laboratory Assistant position is available on a NSF-funded project that investigates temperature-mediated trait variation in host-parasitoid communities. Responsibilities include maintaining live insect cultures, conducting experiments on temperature effects on life history traits and vital rates, microscopic analysis of parasitism, and data entry and analysis. The appointment is for one year initially but can be extended depending on performance. Applicants should have a B.S. degree in Biology, Ecology, Entomology or a related discipline. Those with a M.S. degree in these areas are also encouraged to apply. Prior research experience with insects is required. Salary would be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants should apply online using the url: https://hr.mycareer.ucla.edu/, and have three letters of reference sent to Dr. Priyanga Amarasekare (e-mail: amarasek@eeb.ucla.edu). The University of California is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

2008 Paid Summer Gardening Internship, The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Position Description (Two 40 hour per week positions available) The Garden Interns are involved in the day-to-day maintenance of the Arboretum gardens, including planting, pest and weed control, record keeping, watering, visitor interpretation, etc.

Under direction of the garden staff, the interns will undertake his or her own long-term garden project. He or she will guide the project through the entire process, which includes creating and following a project budget, garden design and installation, and developing visitor interpretation. Candidates must possess knowledge of basic gardening principles and a desire to work outdoors. Plant identification skills are desirable. The Garden Interns will have the opportunity to participate in other arboretum department operations, as well as visit with other botanical gardens in the region. The intern will assist with special events, horticultural propagation, research field trips, light facilities work, and other duties as needed. College credit may be available at the discretion of the intern's advisor and must be arranged before the internship. This is a 4 month internship, specific dates are flexible but generally the position runs from May through August. Compensation is $9.00 per hour, the work schedule is 40 hours per week. A monthly housing stipend is available, and on site housing can be arranged.

Background Information:

The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a non-profit educational and research institution dedicated to the cultivation, conservation, and public display of plants and plant communities native to the Colorado Plateau. At an elevation of 7,150 feet, it is the highest arboretum in the nation conducting research. Plant communities represented within The Arboretum's 200 acres range from pinyon-juniper forest to alpine tundra. The Arboretum is located four miles west of Flagstaff, Arizona, in the Coconino National Forest. Due to the elevation, summer high temperatures are generally in the 70s and 80s. For more information, visit www.thearb.org

To Apply:

Send resume, two letters of recommendation, and cover letter to the address below by March 31st, 2008. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Nathan McLeod, Gardens Manager, 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, (928) 774-1442 ext: 119

Job (Re)Posting: Senior Research Specialist

Salary: $39,160 - $43,680 (DOE), Start Date: February 15, 2008
We are reposting a position for a highly motivated and energetic individual to play a critical role in development an innovative ecological monitoring program for Pima County, Arizona. The monitoring program will cover a wide range of resources as part of a comprehensive Multiple Species Conservation Plan for the county. This is a full time, benefited position with the University of Arizona and will be under the direct supervision of Pima County and University of Arizona staff. The position will be for approximately 15 months with the possibility for additional work.
Duties and responsibilities: The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of functions including development of conceptual models, synthesis of scientific information from a wide range of natural-resource disciplines (e.g., land use, water resources, vegetation, and vertebrates), report writing, and data analysis. Candidate will interact with cooperators from within and outside the University of Arizona and Pima County and be expected to contribute original ideas and methods to that larger group. Candidate will supervise student workers and other university staff.

Minimum qualifications: Masters degree in Biological or Physical Sciences AND three years of related experience; OR, Bachelors degree in Biological or Physical Sciences AND four years of related experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by the University of Arizona.

Preferred qualifications: Broad knowledge of structure and function of southwest ecosystems, Experience with ecological monitoring, methods, and design concepts, Broad understanding of statistical principles, Proven ability to work as a team member; supervisory experience a plus, Excellent communication and organizational skills, Established record of excellence in scientific writing, The official job posting can be found at: www.uacareertrack.com. Click on "Search Positions" on the left side of the page, then type in "39106" for the position number.

Do not include application materials in your inquiry and indicate "UA Position" in the subject line. Application review will begin on January 18. Thank you for your interest in this exciting position. Please contact Brian Powell (brian.powell@pima.gov) with any questions about this position.

Call for Poster Abstracts: Conference on the Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels

Hosted by the Ecological Society of America, March 10, 2008; Washington, DC
Deadline for Submission is Thursday, January 3, 2008

There will be a very limited amount of space to present posters at the Conference on the Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels on March 10, 2008, in Washington, DC.

If more posters are submitted than the space available, abstracts will be accepted in the order they are received. Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words. Poster presenters must register for the conference before advance registration closes on February 21, 2008 ($125).

To submit an abstract and to read more about the Conference, please visit www.esa.org/biofuels

Call for Contributed Oral and Poster Abstracts is now open!

93rd ESA Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 3 - 8, 2008, http://www.esa.org/milwaukee, Call Open: December 17, 2007 -- February 28, 2008

You are invited to submit an abstract for a Contributed Oral or Poster presentation at the 93rd ESA Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held August 3-8, 2008, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Midwest Airlines Center.

Abstracts that address the meeting theme, "Enhancing Ecological Thought by Linking Research and Education", are especially 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 note that invited speakers for Symposia and Organized Oral Sessions should NOT submit their abstracts until they receive specific instructions by email in late January. These abstracts will be due on February 28, 2008.

Information regarding the criteria, the submission process, and the cancellation policy are included in the Call for Abstracts (http://esa.org/milwaukee/abstract_call2008.php). Please adhere to these guidelines closely. If you have any questions, please contact the ESA Program Chair, Louis Gross,( gross@tiem.utk.edu), or the Program Assistant, Aleta Wiley (aleta@esa.org).

The Quivira Coalition's 7th Annual Conference

"Building Resilience: Creating Hope in an Age of Consequences"
January 17 - 19, 2008, Marriott Pyramid, Albuquerque, NM

Although no one knows precisely what the decades ahead will bring, there are enough indicators to say with confidence that the 21st century represents a new era. Whether the concern is climate change, peak oil, overpopulation, species extinction, food and water shortages, or something else, the challenges ahead are varied and daunting.

They are elements of the Age of Consequences - the era in which we, and subsequent generations, begin to grapple with the cumulative effects of two hundred years of full-throttle industrialism. It is not just about the effects of greenhouse gases or toxic wastes, but also our decisions. Action has consequences, of course, but so does inaction - and we did plenty of both last century.

This conference will feature stories of resilience and hope. Speakers will explore both the nature of the challenges ahead, as well as, instructive examples of endurance, co-existence and renewal. The three day event will begin with David Jonah Western, renowned Kenyan conservationist, who will examine the "Ivory Wars" and future of the African elephant (perhaps in North America?).

Other highlights include: Wes Jackson, The Land Institute in Kansas; Lance Gunderson, a resilience ecologist from Emory University; Eric Blinman, Director of NM's Office of Archaeological Studies; Mark Sardella and David Bacon, local energy experts; Logan Fisher, co-owner, Earl-Fisher Biofuels; Dr. Darryl Birkenfeld, Executive Director, Ogallala Commons and others.

The resilient ranch and our relationship and dependence on livestock will be explored by two Maasai herders from Kenya; Michel Meuret, a French animal scientist; and Navajo sheepherders involved in the program "Sheep is Life".
For full agenda and to register: www.quiviracoalition.org , 505-820-2544, Courtney White,The Quivira Coalition, 505-820-2544 ext 1#, executive@quiviracoalition.org

2008 BAT CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS

Each year, Bat Conservation International (BCI) offers a series of comprehensive, introductory field workshops to train serious students of bat conservation in current research and management techniques for the study of bats. Following an intensive 6-day, 5-night agenda http://www.batcon.org/trips/bcm01itin.html, BCI biologists and professional colleagues will present a combination of lectures and discussions, field trips to view bat habitat resources and hands-on training to catch and identify bats. Learn species identification, netting, radio-tracking, night-vision observation and habitat assessment while working in extraordinary settings.

An Arizona workshop in the Chiricahua Mountains emphasizes western bats. The Chiricahuas offer a biodiversity unequalled anywhere else in North America. You can expect to see, and even to capture and handle, as many as 18 bat species in a single evening, then watch endangered long-nosed bats visit hummingbird feeders at your front door.

Participants have also enjoyed spotting ring-tailed cats, coatis, and trogans. BCI workshop veteran Janet Tyburec, Dr. Katy Hinman and Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists will share a wealth of knowledge on species identification (including by echolocation calls), bat conservation, management, education, public health and nuisance issues, artificial habitats and much more. We will stay at the American Museum of Natural History's famous Southwestern Research Station, where you will enjoy superb dining with researchers from around the world. Two sessions: May 20-25 and May 25-30, 2008. Each session limited to 16 people. Departure city: Tucson, AZ. Cost: $1,395 =20

A California workshop focuses on the conservation and management of bats in the Pacific Northwest. Set among the rugged backdrop of unique lava formations at Lava Beds National Monument, we will have an unparalleled opportunity to observe and discuss how variations in cave environments uniquely impact where bats roost. In addition to viewing evening bat emergences and exploring the unique volcanic formations, we will practice setting nets and traps at ice cave entrances, over wet meadows and in mixed pine forests. Townsend's big-eared bats and colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats are just two of the 14 bat species we hope to encounter at this workshop. Janet Tyburec and local experts lead this workshop, which features species identification (including by echolocation calls), bat conservation, threats, management, education, public health and nuisance issues and much more. Our lodging, located in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, is tucked between the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges, both of which boast exceptional waterfowl diversity where bird-watching and photography opportunities abound.

One session: July 19-24, 2008. Limited to 20 people. Departure city: Medford, OR. Cost: $1,395

2008 ACOUSTIC MONITORING WORKSHOP

In response to many requests, BCI is offering an acoustic monitoring workshop session at Lava Beds National Monument in California. The workshop will cover hardware and software including Anabat, Pettersson and SonoBat and teach call identifications and how to develop a monitoring program. Joining BCI's Janet Tyburec will be acoustic software developers Chris Corben and Joe Szewczak, along with acoustic experts Sybill Amelon and Ted Weller. The format will be similar to BCI's Bat Conservation and Management workshops, combining discussions of current research with hands-on demonstrations and fieldwork. Each night, we will be capturing bats and developing call libraries so participants can return to their home study areas and begin their own projects armed with knowledge and experience. BCI will have equipment available, but participants are encouraged to bring there own systems. The Acoustic Monitoring Workshop is an advanced workshop designed for graduates of previous BCI workshops and/or experienced bat workers. One session: July 24-29, 2008. Limited to 20 people. Departure city: Medford, OR. Cost: $1,595

For additional information, registration forms and scholarship applications, visit www.batcon.org 'Get Involved' or contact Kari Gaukler, BCI, PO Box 162603, Austin, TX 78716; 512-327-9721; kgaukler@batcon.org

CONFERENCE ON THE ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF PLANT-POLLINATOR INTERACTIONS

A two-day conference on the Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Pollinator Interactions will be held on August 2-3, 2008, immediately prior to the Ecological Society of America Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The goal of this conference is to highlight the most exciting recent advances in community and evolutionary pollination biology, and foster interaction among pollination biologists. We aim to encourage a unified framework to the study of community and evolutionary approaches, and to draw attention to largely unexplored questions at the intersection of these disciplines. This two-day conference will feature 23 speakers from five continents, as well as a poster session.
Conference speakers and topics have been selected to complement, rather than repeat, the major themes covered at the 2007 International Pollinator Symposium. The 30 minute symposium presentations will be scheduled throughout the day on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. To promote interaction between symposium speakers and participants, there are planned breaks with time for discussion as well as a two-hour poster session and reception on the evening of Saturday, August 2. The poster session will provide an outstanding opportunity for pollination ecologists at all levels to share ideas. We encourage all conference attendees to present a poster. Note that individuals presenting a talk or poster in this Pollination Conference are also welcome to present a contributed paper or poster (even the same poster) at the Ecological Society of America meeting.

REGISTRATION: Individuals planning to attend the Pollination Conference must register online at the ESA website: http://www.esa.org/milwaukee/ Registration will open in early April, 2008 and must be completed by June 2, 2008. There are two registration options: a) If you plan to attend BOTH the Pollination Conference and the Main ESA meeting, you should pay the ESA annual meeting fee (approx. $ 140 for student members; $ 285 for regular members) PLUS the Pollination Conference fee of $ 50. b) If you plan to attend the Pollination Conference, but will NOT be attending the Main ESA meeting, you should pay the "ESA one-event registration fee" of $ 45 PLUS the Pollination Conference Fee of $ 50. Note that the total cost of registration for this option would be $95.

POSTER PRESENTATION: All participants in the Pollination Conference are encouraged to present posters. Poster titles should be submitted to Jeff Karron by June 2, 2008 at: karron@uwm.edu. In the subject line of the email, list "pollination ecology poster". Due to space limitations, we will only be able to accommodate 150 posters. Titles will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Note that poster presenters do not register their posters for the Pollination Conference on the ESA website; they can only do so by emailing Jeff Karron.

POSTER DIMENSIONS: Poster boards are approximately 2.4 m wide x 1.2 m tall (8 x 4 feet). Please design your poster to be at least 5 cm (2 inch) smaller on each margin. HOUSING: ESA has reserved a limited number of hotel rooms and dorm rooms for Friday and Saturday evenings. See the ESA housing link for more information.

ESA MEETINGS: We encourage participants to stay throughout the week and attend the ESA annual meeting (August 3-8) that follows the Pollination Conference. Participants in the Pollination Conference can present a talk and/or poster at the ESA meeting as well. Titles of talks and posters for the ESA meeting should be submitted online between December 17, 2007 and February 28, 2008. The link for the ESA meeting page is: http://www.esa.org/milwaukee/

CONTACT: If you have questions about this Pollination Conference, please contact Jeff Karron (karron@uwm.edu), Randy Mitchell (rjm2@uakron.edu), or Rebecca Irwin (Rebecca.Irwin@Dartmouth.edu).

CONFERENCE WEBSITE: http://www3.uakron.edu/biology/pollination/

The Pollination Conference is being generously supported by the Ecological Society of America.

"Journal of Sustainable Development"

...is a new journal in environment and sustainable development research published by Canadian Center of Science and Education. We welcome research papers in Environment Science, Environmental Technology, Environmental Economics and Policy, Ecology, Sustainable Development. Writing your manuscript in English and in MS-Word format, please send to: jsd@ccsenet.org. For more information, please visit: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal.html
Best wishes, Amy King, Editor, Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, Tel: (416) 585-8198, E-mail: jsd@ccsenet.org, Website: www.ccsenet.org

The University of California Press is pleased to announce the publication of: Specialization, Speciation, and Radiation: The Evolutionary Biology of Herbivorous Insects

Kelley J. Tilmon is an Assistant Professor of Entomology in the Plant , Science Department at South Dakota State University. http://go.ucpress.edu/Tilmon "This volume captures the state-of-the-art in the study of insect-plant interactions, and marks the transformation of the field into evolutionary biology. The contributors present integrative reviews of uniformly high quality that will inform and inspire generations of academic and applied biologists. Their presentation together provides an invaluable synthesis of perspectives that is rare in any discipline."-Brian D. Farrell, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University

The intimate associations between plants and the insects that eat them have helped define and shape both groups for millions of years. This pioneering volume is a comprehensive, up-to-date treatment of the evolutionary biology of herbivorous insects, including their relationships with host plants and natural enemies. Chapters focus on the dynamic relationships between insects and plants from the standpoint of evolutionary change at different levels of biological organization-individuals, populations, species, and clades. Written by prominent evolutionary biologists, entomologists, and ecologists, the chapters are organized into three sections: Evolution of Populations and Species; Co- and Macroevolutionary Radiation; and Evolutionary Aspects of Pests, Invasive Species, and the Environment. The volume is unified by the idea that understanding the ecological framework of the interactions between herbivorous insects and their host plants is fundamental to understanding their evolution. Full information about the book, including the table of contents, is available online: http://go.ucpress.edu/Tilmon Lolita Guevarra, Electronic Marketing Coordinator, University of California Press, Tel. 510.643.4738 lolita.guevarra@ucpress.edu

The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center announces the release of a new publication: The Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water

As part of its ongoing effort to serve the water education needs of Arizona citizens, the Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) teamed up with the Water Education Foundation of Sacramento, California, to produce the Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water. The guide meets a longstanding need, offering information about state water issues in a single, reader-friendly publication. The guide is aimed at a wide audience including new arrivals to our rapidly growing state who need to learn about our water ways; long-time residents seeking an up-to-date refresher on current water issues; water professionals wanting a quick reference; policy makers looking for a reliable summary of water facts and information; and the water-interested citizen desiring to learn more about this important topic. Written in the language of the layperson, the guide describes the state's physical setting, provides a history of Arizona's water resource development and explains the legal framework of water management. This provides the basic background for discussions of the major water issues confronting Arizona today. A helpful glossary and list of additional resources is included.

Collaboration between the Water Education Foundation and the WRRC enabled the WRRC to offer the Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water free online, as a public service. The file can be downloaded in PDF format from the WRRC website: http://ag.arizona.edu/AZWATER/

The Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water adds to the well-regarded Water Education Foundation series of Layperson's Guides that include publications on the states of California and Nevada along with the Colorado River. A hard copy can be purchased from the Water Education Foundation, 717 K St., Suite 317, Sacramento, CA 95814; phone: 916-444-6240; web site: www.watereducation.org ($10 per copy; $7 for ten or more copies.)
Publication of the Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water was supported in part by contributions to the WRRC from the Central Arizona Project, Salt River Project, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Southern Arizona Water Users Association, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the UA Water Sustainability Program.
Abe Springer, Ph.D. , Associate Professor, Department of Geology , NAU Coordinator, Arizona Water Institute, Northern Arizona University abe.springer@nau.edu

Open Choice': NEW service from Population Ecology!!

The following paper has been published online as an 'Open Choice': Miyashita T, Suzuki M, Ando D, Fujita G, Ochiai K, Asada M (2008) Forest edge creates small-scale variation in reproductive rate of sika deer. Popul Ecol. doi:10.1007/s10144-007-0068-y

The details of 'Open Choice' are explained at the following site. http://www.springer.com/east/home/open+choice?SGWID=5-40359-0-0-0

However, in short, the 'Open Choice' articles have full, free access toanyone, any time, and anywhere in the world, regardless of the individual membership of the society or the institutional registration with SpringerLink. Usually a fee is required for an 'Open Choice' article. Nevertheless, we have received a subsidy to choose an article that Population Ecology promotes as 'Open Choice', without charging the author(s). Thanks to this new service, we hope it will attract a larger number of readers as well as deeper understanding for the activities of Population Ecology. An 'Open Choice' article appears online from time to time. So watch out for our announcements! In the meantime, have a read through the current 'Open Choice' article by Miyashita et al. at http://www.springerlink.com/content/103139/?Content+Status=Accepted

Population Ecology is an English scientific journal published by the Society of Population Ecology four times a year. It enjoys a high international reputation and has a long history of over 40 years. All manuscripts are reviewed anonymously by two referees, and the final editorial decision is made by the Chief Editor based on the referees' evaluations. The articles are abstracted/indexed in BIOSIS, Current Contents/ Agriculture, Biology & Environmental Sciences, Environmental Periodicals Bibliography (EPB).

Population Ecology welcomes submissions of papers by non-members. To submit your manuscript to Population Ecology, go to https://www.editorialmanager.com/poec/ We look forward to your subscription and submission. Editorial Office, Population Ecology

Chief Editor Takashi Saitoh, Field Science Center, Hokkaido University, Japan

Fellow ESA members - I'd like echo Ray Mims' call to encourage you to examine and comment on the US Green Building Council's new Sustainable Sites Initiative:

USGBC = the group that developed LEED building standards http://www.sustainablesites.org/report.html If you are interested in encouraging LEED-minded designers and architects to select non-invasive species for landscaping, please provide your comments to the USGBC's new Sustainable Site Initiative guidelines.

As currently written, these guidelines do suggest avoiding using invasive species for plant landscaping, but ESA has an opportunity to help USGBC develop more meaningful standards regarding invasives. For example, one could recommend LEED scoring increasing with native landscaping, and points detracted for plant choices that have been listed as invasive.

With increasing demand for LEED-certified construction, these new+improved 'Sustainable Sites' guidelines could prevent many new plantings of Japanese barberry, bradford pear, etc ...
Thanks for your time. --Kim J. Brown Ph.D.

Quoting Ray Mims rmims@AOC.GOV: This is a project of which we are extremely proud to be a part. We are in a comment period right now and would like to have additional architects, builders, engineers, ecologists, horticulturist, landscape maintenance contractors, soil scientist, architect, green building consultant and planners to give us feed back. Please take the time to look at the email and go to our website to view the draft report. ALSO PASS ON TO ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT MIGHT HAVE INSIGHT OR COMMENTS. thank you, Ray

The USBG has been involved in this partnership and is very excited about Sustainable Sites. The Sustainable Sites Initiative is developing national, voluntary standards and guidelines for sustainable land development and management practices as well as metrics to assess site performance and a rating system to recognize achievement. It is a partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the United States Botanic Garden and a diverse group of national stakeholder organizations. The U.S. Green Building Council, a major stakeholder in the initiative, has committed to incorporating these guidelines and standards into the future evolution of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. These will also be available at no cost for those that will not go for certification. The initiative is in the process of developing the Standards and Guidelines for Sustainable Sites - a compilation of current research, technology, and practices to provide technical guidance and performance benchmarks. The Preliminary Report on the Standards and Guidelines www.sustainablesites.org/report.html is now available for comment. The purpose of this report is to provide a snapshot of the first findings of the initiative with the intention of collecting feedback from professionals and stakeholders. It is critical to receive knowledge and input from other professionals and stakeholders to ensure that the products of the Sustainable Sites Initiative are relevant to those who influence land practices. Please share this document with other colleagues. An on-line feedback form www.sustainablesites.org/questionnaire.html)is available to submit comments on the preliminary report. The public comment period will be open until January 11, 2008.
Many local and regional efforts now provide guidelines for improved land development and management practices. Sustainable Sites recognizes the importance and relevance of these programs and is interested in information sharing and partnering. Please share this freely with all that you think would be interested. If you have any questions, a system has been set up to field them at info@sustainablesites.org. I hope you will find this effort as exciting as we do. all the best,Ray Mims, Conservation Horticulture, United States Botanic Garden,Washington, DC 20032, 202.409.1659 cell

JOBS -- JOBS -- JOBS

Burt's Bees Aims to Improve Bee Health -- Corporate Love in the Time of Colony Collapse Disorder

Burt's Bees and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign are looking for a few good scientists to help improve the ailing health of the honeybee.

Burt's Bees, the maker of "earth-friendly natural" personal care products, is contributing $32,000, and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign's Honeybee Health Improvement Task Force will leverage its scientific expertise in choosing the 2-4 projects most worthy of a cash infusion. The money will benefit research that focuses on one of four things: the effect of climate on nectar or pollen quality and other environmental variables, the effects of nutrition on bee or colony health, the health effects of pesticides, or ways to improve the genetic stock of honeybees.
The goal is to define real-world techniques that will improve honeybee health at a time when an unknown agent (or some combination of known agents) is causing unprecedented death in a phenomenon called colony collapse disorder. Even before colony collapse disorder reared its ugly head (scattering bees from their hives, to which they never returned), honeybees had experienced years of decline as a result of a series of viruses, parasites and other problems.

If you're a scientist with a great idea, go to http://www.thedailygreen.com/print-this/environmental-news/latest/burts-bees-47121502 Pollinator.org for more information.

If you're just concerned about bees, take heart that maybe some sorely needed help is on the way.
Find this article at: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/burts-bees-47121502

Postdoctoral research associate position

(salary German BAT IIa) available at Freie niversitaet Berlin (Germany) for a duration of 3 years to work on communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) along land use gradients (German Biodiversity Exploratories). Experience with soil molecular microbial analysis methods (e.g., t-RFLP) is required, as well as solid experience with the statistical analysis of such data. Specific experience with AMF is preferred. For more info on the group see mycorrhizas.googlepages.com and/ or contact Matthias Rillig at matthias.rillig@fu-berlin.de. Matthias C. Rillig, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Institut fuer Biologie, Plant Ecology Altensteinstr. 6, D- 14195 Berlin, Germany, ++49 (0)30 838-53165 (Direct)
matthias.rillig@fu-berlin.de http://mycorrhizas.googlepages.com

Post-doctoral Position to Develop California's Environment Score-Card

California currently lacks a science-based system for tracking ecological and socio-economic change at any scale. A group of state-funded organizations, agencies, and universities is beginning to develop such a system and would like a post-doctoral fellow to participate. The position would be at the University of California, Davis, which is well-known for its natural, economic, and social sciences.

The statewide collaborative group includes water agencies, environmental non-profits, federal agencies, and universities. The UC Davis group will interact closely with the statewide effort and provide much of the scientific expertise. The successful candidate will be motivated to develop and apply statistical and science-based tools to measure change in ecological and socio-economic conditions in response to various drivers. (S)he will have previous experience in inter-disciplinary research involving natural sciences and either social or economic science/analysis. Experience with data analysis with large environmental datasets and contemporary statistical approaches at various geographic scales is desired. In addition, experience with GIS and remote-sensing data is preferred. The post-doc will work primarily with UCD scientists Fraser Shilling, Mark Lubell, Josh Viers, and Jim Quinn and secondarily with colleagues from state agencies (e.g., Department of Water Resources), local agencies (Napa County), other universities (e.g., UCLA, USC), and private consultants (e.g., Canadian firm "ESSA").

The position currently has funding for 2 years, but continuation of funding is possible. Start date may be any time between March 1 and May 1, 2008. The initial annual salary is ~$42,000 (DOE) plus full benefits including health and dental coverage. Interested persons holding a doctoral degree from an accredited institution should contact Fraser Shilling (see below), by sending electronic copies of: a cover letter briefly describing research experiences and interests; curriculum vitae; 2 relevant reprints; and 3 references to: Dr. Fraser Shilling, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis CA 95616, USA. Contact phone number is 530/752-7859. Application via email (preferred) to fmshilling@ucdavis.edu. Contact fax number is 530/752-3350. Screening of applications begins in January, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled. University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADWR has a modeling position open

...so if you know anyone who's interested please forward this. Unfortunately they only have two weeks to fill the position before it freezes... Happy Holidays, Keith

A Hydrologist III position in the Hydrology Division/Modeling Section has been posted to the statewide website, www.azstatejobs.gov

Abe Springer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Geology , NAU Coordinator, Arizona Water Institute, Northern Arizona University e-mail: abe.springer@nau.edu

Wildlife Biologist, Institute for Wildlife Studies

Location: Arcata, California

Job Description: The Institute for Wildlife Studies seeks a full-time wildlife biologist to work in their Arcata, California office. Job duties include providing support to field project leaders, GIS mapping, database management, report and manuscript editing and writing, proposal preparation, and other general duties. The job may require short visits to assist in field work out of Humboldt County,California. Qualifications: Applicants should have an MS in wildlife ecology or a related field, Must be well organized Have excellent writing and oral communication skills Good working knowledge and experience with GIS The ability to handle being in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary work environment. Salary: $40,000 - $45,000 DOE

Last Date to apply: January 5, 2008. Website: www.iws.org, Contact: David Garcelon
E-mail: garcelon@iws.org

For more information, to subscribe or unsubscribe to this list contact:
Jan Kerata, Administrator, Merriam-Powell Center , 928.523.6221