Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 14 Jun 2003 to 16 Jun 2003 (#2003-153)
There are 11 messages totalling 614 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Announcement--Ecology Education Listerv
2. Positions available
3. Position available
4. Changing global nitrogen cycle impacting human health, says Colorado
University
5. PDA's for field data collection (3)
6. PDAs for field data collection
7. dragonfly radio telemetry
8. postdoc in plant ecology: Archbold
9. Another pika study: volunteers needed, Aug 13-25
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 12:05:20 -0400
From: Jason Taylor <Jason@ESA.ORG>
Subject: Announcement--Ecology Education Listerv
Dear Ecolog members,
I would like to bring your attention to "ECOED" the Ecological Society
of America's ecology education listserv. The purpose of ECOED is to
provide a venue for circulating and responding to emerging issues in
ecology, environmental science, and science education. This is also a
forum in which members can share updates and communication on ecology
education programs.
To subscribe to ECOED, please visit
http://ecoed.net/mailman/listinfo/ecoed and follow the instructions.
I appologize for any cross-postings.
Best Wishes,
Jason Taylor
Director of Education
The Ecological Society of America
1400 Spring St., Suite 330
Silver Spring, MD 20910-2749
Phone: 301-588-3873, x311
Fax: 301-588-4693
jason@esa.org
www.esa.org www.ecoed.net
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 12:05:30 -0400
From: "David S. Mizrahi" <dmizrahi@NJAUDUBON.ORG>
Subject: Positions available
MIGRATION COUNTERS (3) for fall migration monitoring projects at Cape
May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ. Cape May is one of the best fall
migration hot spots in the country. Specifically, we are hiring a
counter for the Cape May Hawkwatch (1 Sep - 30 Nov), a counter for the
Avalon Seawatch (22 Sep-22 Dec), and a "swing" counter (1 Sep- 30 Nov),
who will provide day-off relief at each site and enter data. Applicants
for counter positions should have a strong background identifying either
raptors or seabirds in flight. Careful data collecting skills, a
willingness to work long hours, and excellent interpersonal skills are a
must. Applicants for the "swing" counter position also should have some
experience with MS Excel and MS Access. All applicants must have their
own vehicles. Salary for all positions $1200/month, housing and
reimbursement for gas is provided. Send cover letter indicating
position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three
references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to DR. DAVID
MIZRAHI, Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 Route 47 North, Cape May Court
House, NJ 08210 or email: dmizrahi@njaudubon.org. Application reviews
begin 15 July.
INTERPRETIVE NATURALISTS (3) for fall migration monitoring projects at
Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ 1 Sep-1 Nov. Cape May is world
renowned for its combination of fall bird migration and sandy beaches.
Successful applicants will work either at the Cape May Hawkwatch or the
Avalon Seawatch. Duties include conducting ID mini-workshops, assisting
visitors with bird identification, and assisting counters when needed.
Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and
excellent interpersonal skills. Familiarity with bird migration and
experience identifying raptors and/or sea birds in flight is preferred
but not required. All applicants must have their own vehicles. Salary
for all positions $800/month, housing and reimbursement for gas is
provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume
outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email
addresses and phone numbers) to DR. DAVID MIZRAHI, Cape May Bird
Observatory, 600 Route 47 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 or
email: dmizrahi@njaudubon.org. Application reviews begin 15 July.
FIELD TECHNICIAN (1) to assist with ongoing Monarch butterfly migration
project, Sep 1 through Oct 31. Duties include daily road censuses of
migrating Monarchs, tagging, data entry, and educating the public about
the project and Monarch biology. Successful applicant will be expected
to work long hours during peak Monarch flights, shorter hours during
lulls. Careful data collecting and entry skills, and excellent
interpersonal skills a must; familiarity with insect ecology and
migration a plus but not required. Must have own vehicle. Salary
$800/mo., housing and reimbursement for gas provided. Send cover letter
indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience,
and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to
DR. DAVID MIZRAHI, Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 Route 47 North, Cape
May Court House, NJ 08210 or email: dmizrahi@njaudubon.org. Application
reviews begin 1 July.
--
David S. Mizrahi, Ph.D.
Vice-president for Research
New Jersey Audubon Society
600 North Route 47
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
ph: 609-861-0700 x17
fax: 609-861-1651
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 12:02:47 -0400
From: "David S. Mizrahi" <dmizrahi@NJAUDUBON.ORG>
Subject: Position available
FIELD TECHNICIAN (1) to assist with ongoing Monarch butterfly migration
project, Sep 1 through Oct 31. Duties include daily road censuses of
migrating Monarchs, tagging, data entry, and educating the public about
the project and Monarch biology. Successful applicant will be expected
to work long hours during peak Monarch flights, shorter hours during
lulls. Careful data collecting and entry skills, and excellent
interpersonal skills a must; familiarity with insect ecology and
migration a plus but not required. Must have own vehicle. Salary
$800/mo., housing and reimbursement for gas provided. Send cover letter
indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience,
and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to
DR. DAVID MIZRAHI, Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 Route 47 North, Cape
May Court House, NJ 08210 or email: dmizrahi@njaudubon.org. Application
reviews begin 1 July.
--
David S. Mizrahi, Ph.D.
Vice-president for Research
New Jersey Audubon Society
600 North Route 47
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
ph: 609-861-0700 x17
fax: 609-861-1651
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 11:18:57 -0400
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Changing global nitrogen cycle impacting human health,
says Colorado University
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-06/uoca-cgn061203.php
Contact: Alan Townsend
Alan.Townsend@colorado.edu
303-492-6865
Jim Scott
303-492-3114
University of Colorado at Boulder
Changing global nitrogen cycle impacting human health, says Colorado
University-led study
Despite greatly increasing food production for humans, the growing use
of nitrogen as a nutrient is affecting people's health far beyond just
the benefits of growing more crops, according to a new University of
Colorado at Boulder-led study.
Study leader Alan Townsend of CU-Boulder's Institute for Arctic and
Alpine Research said changes in the global nitrogen cycle, while
beneficial in increasing crop growth, appear to pose a growing health
risk. Roughly half of the inorganic nitrogen ever used on the planet has
occurred in the past 15 years.
An obvious, positive aspect of using nitrogen as a fertilizer has been a
huge increase in food production in poor nations, reducing hunger and
malnutrition, he said. Although nitrogen is the most abundant of Earth's
atmospheric gases, it must be converted to chemically usable forms like
nitrate or ammonium. In the absence of humans, this happens during
lightning strikes or more commonly through microbes.
"The major global changes in the nitrogen cycle have occurred because
humans now convert more nitrogen to such usable forms than all natural
processes combined," he said. "The synthesis of nitrogen fertilizers
accounts for most of this change. But the overuse of nitrogen
fertilizers can lead to a number of problems, including air and water
pollution."
So far, most nitrogen studies have focused on problems such as losses in
biodiversity, increased acid rain and changes in coastal ocean ecology
that include oxygen-poor "dead zones" like those seen in the Gulf of
Mexico.
However, excess nitrogen also can be a health concern for humans in many
ways, including respiratory ailments, heart disease and several cancers,
said Townsend, who also is an assistant professor in CU-Boulder's
ecology and evolutionary biology department.
"Ecological feedbacks to excess nitrogen can inhibit crop growth,
increase allergenic pollen production and potentially affect the
dynamics of several vector-borne diseases, including West Nile virus,
malaria and cholera," the researchers wrote. A paper on the subject
appeared in the June 2 issue of Frontiers in Ecology.
The project was funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation.
Co-authors on the paper are from Cornell, Harvard and Princeton
universities, the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, the National
Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder and the Institute for
Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis. Other co-authors are from
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the New England School
of Acupuncture in Watertown, Mass., and Visteon Corp. in Sterling
Heights, Mich.
"On the bright side, there are solutions to these problems," said
Townsend. "Too much fertilizer is being used in developed countries,
while in some impoverished countries, additional fertilizer is needed.
This is something that can be changed."
In the United States, for example, fertilizer-intensive crops are common
and more fertilizer than is needed for maximum crop yields often is
used. Reducing fertilizer also would lessen crop pollution to our
waterways and air, he said.
In addition, the use of fertilizer in modern industrial nations is not
optimized for the production of the healthiest food, Townsend said.
Crops like corn largely become food for domestic animals, leading to
further nitrogen losses to the environment, disparities in world food
distribution and a growing tendency for unhealthy diets even in wealthy
nations, the researchers concluded.
In the United States, more than half of the grain produced is fed to
animals, and corn is used much more widely as a sweetener than for human
consumption. Meat consumption by humans has doubled worldwide since
1960, and excess meat consumption has been linked to numerous health
issues, including heart disease.
In addition, increased nitrogen pouring into the world's oceans can
cause algal blooms that can harm fish, shellfish and humans. On land,
ozone, a major pollutant produced with high amounts of nitrogen oxides,
causes numerous health problems as well as billions of dollars of crop
damage, according to the research team.
"We believe the greatest net health benefits come from using nitrogen at
moderate levels," said Townsend. "Making and using it at higher levels
does not lead to parallel increases in benefits, but does greatly
exacerbate environmental and health problems."
###
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 10:11:15 -0400
From: "Weber, Theodore" <TWEBER@DNR.STATE.MD.US>
Subject: Re: PDA's for field data collection
Melanie,
I have been using Compaq iPAQ's, ArcPad, and Trimble Pocket Pathfinders for
ield data collection. I definitely recommend getting the ruggedized case, an
extended battery pack, and an automobile adapter to charge the iPAQ in the v
hicle. There are more rugged PDA's out there now, but they are more expensiv
. I suggest shopping around.
Frankly, for most field data collection, a regular GPS (the Garmin GPS 72 is
waterproof and performs well under canopy), paper data sheets, and a covered
clipboard (especially if waterproof) are fine, and much cheaper. On the othe
hand, ArcPad has a lot of capabilities that the Garmin doesn't.
Sincerely,
Ted Weber
Landscape ecologist
Watershed Management and Analysis Division
Chesapeake and Coastal Watershed Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave, E-2
Annapolis, MD 21401
phone: 410-260-8802
fax: 410-260-8779
email: tweber@dnr.state.md.us
==============================================
Visit http://www.ecologyfund.com/ to protect
wild land for free, just by clicking a button!
==============================================
-----Original Message-----
From: Melanie Allen Truan [mailto:mltruan@UCDAVIS.EDU]
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2003 2:52 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: PDA's for field data collection
Dear Ecologgers,
I'd like to inquire of our many knowledgeable listservees out there whether
folks use PDA's (Palm, PocketPC, etc.) for data collection in the field. If
so, which models seem to work best, what types of software do you use, what
is the ease of uploading, etc?
Thanks in advance for your replies. I will be happy to post responses if
others are interested.
Melanie
Melanie Allen Truan mltruan@ucdavis.edu
Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Avenue
Davis CA 95616
"Researchers have already cast much darkness on the subject,
and if they continue their investigations
we shall soon know nothing at all about it."
Mark Twain
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 09:39:19 -0500
From: "J. A. Stratford" <stratja@MAIL.AUBURN.EDU>
Subject: Re: PDA's for field data collection
Hi Melanie,
Our point count crew is using the Palm M130 (8 Mb and $200/unit). We're
extremely happy because it saved us > 4000 sheets of paper and probably o
er
50 hours of data entry! We use Sheets-to-go which is part of the
Documents-To-Go package and all of this came with the Palm. My Palm acts as
another back up system and I purchased a 64 Mb expansion card (Palm card use
;
a generic card did not work) to handle the extra data. Uploading data to t
e
computer takes about 2 minutes and all the Palm software is compatible with
Office software (Sheets-to-go = Excel). Another feature we've found useful
s
the ability to beam data from one Palm to the other which we use as another
way to back up data and makes it so there is only one person required to
upload data.
As for field "readiness" I accidently dropped my Palm into a stream and it
came back to life after 3 hours and everything works fine. I can't think of
anyway to have the unit protected and to still use it but I do keep it in a
zip lock bag between sites.
Cheers,
Jeff
>===== Original Message From Melanie Allen Truan <mltruan@UCDAVIS.EDU>
=====
>Dear Ecologgers,
>
>I'd like to inquire of our many knowledgeable listservees out there whet
er
>folks use PDA's (Palm, PocketPC, etc.) for data collection in the field.
If
>so, which models seem to work best, what types of software do you use, w
at
>is the ease of uploading, etc?
>
>Thanks in advance for your replies. I will be happy to post responses if
>others are interested.
>
>Melanie
>
>
>
>Melanie Allen Truan mltruan@ucdavis.edu
>Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology
>University of California, Davis
>1 Shields Avenue
>Davis CA 95616
>
>"Researchers have already cast much darkness on the subject,
>and if they continue their investigations
>we shall soon know nothing at all about it."
>Mark Twain
***********************************
Jeffrey A. Stratford
311 Funchess Hall
Department of Biological Sciences
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
USA
***********************************
http://www.auburn.edu/~stratja
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 09:26:33 -0400
From: Kenneth Cousins <kcousins@GVPT.UMD.EDU>
Subject: PDAs for field data collection
You might consider Cybertracker (www.cybertracker.org). It's
"greenware" (freeware for conservation purposes), and runs on most PDAs
(even the older models).
>From their website:
"The fully user-configurable operation of the CyberTracker Software can
be effortlessly applied to a wide variety of applications, including:
pest management, market research, or social research."
"The CyberTracker Software screenwriter can use an external GPS to
acquire georeferenced data and (with a Symbol SPT 1700 compatible bar
code scanner) can read bar codes."
"The CyberTracker software can export data to: a DBase file, an Excel
spreadsheet, a named worksheet in an open Excel application, fixed width
text file, comma separated (CSV) text file, or an informix text file for
further analysis and processing by external applications."
I've not used the system in the field, but I've seen it demonstrated by
an Oregon forest ecologist who's customizing the database and interface
for local species and soils. The program has a substantial and growing
user base (including North America), who are also quite willing to give
advice on the best PDA/GPS combinations.
Ken Cousins
Harrison Program on the Future Global Agenda
Department of Government and Politics
University of Maryland, College Park
T: (301) 405-4133
C: (301) 758-4490
F: (301) 314-7619
kcousins@gvpt.umd.edu
"The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Curiosity has its own reason for existing."
Albert Einstein
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 13:26:11 -0400
From: Steve Bousquin <sbousqu@SFWMD.GOV>
Subject: Re: PDA's for field data collection
Cheaper PDAs like basic Palms (<$150) can work fine for field work. Lear
the
Graffitti way of entering data - there is no keyboard. There are a variety
f
waterproof cases available, some of which allow use of the unit while in the
case, or you can use a ziplock bag and a Tupperware box.
I have also used palmtops ("handheld PCs") but pulling out a device that cos
s so
much in a drizzle or under dusty conditions is scary, although I never broke
one.
PDAs and palmtops save paper and a big step in the data entry process. This
can
result in a substantial time savings and reduces opportunities for error.
Some PDAs do have the problem of losing data if power is lost but you should
have
spare batteries and back up to a computer regularly anyway. Some accept fla
h
cards or other devices for memory expansion which can be kept in a separate
lace
after copying your data. I would not spend much time in the field without
regular backups even with fancy dataloggers, as theft, breakage, or loss of
he
unit can result in data loss as sure as wiping out the memory.
You can use any of a number of inexpensive Palm platform database or spreads
eet
programs for data entry or the fairly expensive Pendragon Forms (which also
requires MS Access on a PC), which allows you to design custom fill-in forms
that
can be downloaded to a Palm. Some of the inexpensive Palm-platform database
software do allow limited custom form design but without many bells and whis
les.
Steve Bousquin
========================================
Stephen G. Bousquin, Ph.D.
Kissimmee Division
South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road MS 4920
PO Box 24680
West Palm Beach, FL 33416-4680
USA
561-682-2719 (phone)
561-389-3866 (cellphone)
888-415-6881 (pager)
561-682-0100 (fax)
========================================
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 18:04:29 +0000
From: Brian Spiesman <bjspies@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: dragonfly radio telemetry
Hi everyone,
Has anyone used or know of a study that has used radio telemetry to track
the movements of dragonflies? I would be very interested in any information
on the subject that could be provided.
Thanks a lot,
Brian
_________________________________________________________________
Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 16:00:24 -0400
From: "Menges, Eric" <EMenges@ARCHBOLD-STATION.ORG>
Subject: postdoc in plant ecology: Archbold
POSITION AVAILABLE - POSTDOC IN PLANT ECOLOGY
Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, Florida. Available August 2003.
We seek a motivated, experienced plant ecologist for a postdoctoral associat
position in the Plant Ecology Laboratory of Eric Menges at Archbold Biologi
al Station. This position is largely supported by a five-year grant from the
National Science Foundation to conduct long-term demographic research on Flo
ida scrub plants.
The postdoc's duties will include:
* Participate in the collection, organization, and analysis of ecologi
al data on populations of Florida scrub plants in south-central Florida
* Formulate and use computer models to simulate population dynamics an
extinction
* Participate in development and testing of computer models, including
spatially-explicit and disturbance-driven population models
* Help design and implement demographic sampling and field experiments
* Work independently under minimal, intermittent supervision beyond br
ad outlining of general tasks or objectives
* Perform research tasks based on prior training and experience and co
duct research using substantial judgment and creativity
* Supervise volunteers, student interns, or other employees
* Produce manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific lite
ature
* Initiate and pursue funding opportunities and administer grants
* Present scientific papers at appropriate meetings
The applicant should have the following qualifications:
* PhD in ecology, botany or related field
* Substantial research experience in plant ecology, botany, or both
* Data collection and data management experience, preferably with plan
demographic data
* Statistical analysis skills, ideally using SPSS
* Computer programming experience, especially using PASCAL and MATLAB
* Ability to work creatively under minimal supervision
* Enthusiasm to work with motivated and productive research team, incl
ding willingness to conduct field work in difficult, hot, humid field condit
ons
* Willingness to live in a rural Florida community
The following qualifications are desirable:
* Expertise in population viability modeling
* Interest and experience in spatial modeling and metapopulation model
ng
* Experience in fieldwork under difficult conditions
* Familiarity with plants and native ecosystems of Florida
* Knowledge of research field stations
* Ability and experience in supervision of research personnel
* Proven proficiency in producing successful manuscripts in first-tier
peer reviewed ecological journals
* Experience presenting research talks at national scientific meetings
* Track record of successful collaborative research
* Track record in obtaining independent grant funding for research
Our lab's research focuses on plant population biology, fire ecology, conser
ation biology, community ecology, and ecological genetics; with a focus on t
e endemic plants of Florida scrub and on long-term data collection and analy
is. Our lab consists of 4 full time scientists together with variable number
of interns, graduate students, and collaborators; and is a stimulating and
njoyable workplace. More information on Archbold's Plant Ecology Lab can be
ound at:
http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/research/plantecol/plantecolhome.htm
Archbold is devoted to research, conservation, and education and with strong
research programs in demography, conservation biology, fire ecology, and beh
vioral ecology. Archbold's 7000-acre natural area has outstanding examples o
central Florida ecosystems and unique species. We also work within a networ
of protected areas in the region. More information on Archbold may be found
at:
http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/index.htm
Benefits include salary in the 30's (depending on experience), annual leave,
paid holidays, health insurance, disability benefits, and an excellent pensi
n plan. Travel to professional conferences is provided. This position will b
largely funded by a research grant for five years, although additional gran
writing will be required. We are asking for a two year commitment.
Applications are due by August 8, 2003. Start date is somewhat flexible betw
en August and October. Applicants should send a letter summarizing research
xperience and qualifications, a CV or resume, lists of courses and grades, r
levant reprints or other writing, and names, phone numbers, and email addres
es for 3 references. Email applications are preferred. Send applications to:
Dr. Eric S. Menges
Archbold Biological Station
PO Box 2057
Lake Placid, FL 33862
Email: emenges@archbold-station.org
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from w
men and minorities.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 17:31:11 -0600
From: Chris Ray <cray@COLORADO.EDU>
Subject: Another pika study: volunteers needed, Aug 13-25
Study ^Órock rabbits^Ô in Montana, August 13 25, 2003
This long-term lagomorph study focuses on population dynamics and the
unique foraging behavior of this food-caching species. Learn to trap,
handle and observe pikas, map pika territories, and identify many alpine
plants.
Over the last 14 years, project director Chris Ray has introduced 45 field
assistants to pikas at this remote and beautiful study site. Chris has a
Ph.D. in population biology and holds research positions at UN-Reno and
UC-Boulder.
The study site is just north of Yellowstone National Park and south of
Bozeman, Montana, in the Gallatin Range. Elevation is nearly 10,000 feet
above sea level. Access is via a 6-mile trail that gains 2,500 feet in
elevation. Each field assistant must be able to carry a 45-pound backpack
over this trail. Tent camping, early mornings, fussy camp-stoves,
food-hanging, grizzly bears, occasional snowstorms and daily lightning are
all part of the fun.
Compensation is limited to camp food, fuel costs, and the potential for a
good letter of recommendation. You may also be able to arrange for credit
at your academic institution.
No prior field experience is necessary. Assistants will be selected using 4
criteria: 1) availability during August 13-25, 2) backpacking experience,
3) proximity to the study site, and 4) career goals. Please address these 4
criteria when contacting Chris by email (cray@colorado.edu) or by phone
(303-489-8863).
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 14 Jun 2003 to 16 Jun 2003 (#2003-153)
***************************************************************
ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ
Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in