Collecting Data is the Most Abstract Thing You Can Do.

I borrowed that statement from Tim Allen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin.  Tim is a colleague of long standing, and I think he’s one of the best thinkers […]

What’s An Urban Long-Term Ecological Research Project To Do?

When in 1997 the National Science Foundation (NSF) requested proposals for up to two urban Long-Term Ecological sites to join the network of wild and production ecosystems that had been […]

Urban Ecology: Stones or Rocks?

Why are there two words for mineral concretions?  And what does that have to do with urban ecology? I recently visited Newark, NJ to work with BES urban design expert, […]

April 2014 All-Project Meeting: Discussing Theory as a Path to BES IV

It is something of a truism that in a Long-Term Ecological Research project that one is either preparing for a mid-term, external review, or preparing for a renewal proposal.  BES […]

Just One Book a Year — That’s All We Ask.

BES is a far flung, disciplinarily diverse project.  We do many things to apply centripetal force to a situation that seems naturally to be dissipative.  One centering activity is to […]

Baltimore Ecosystem Study Activities, Findings, and Contributions for 2013

Urban Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites have a special mission within the National Science Foundation’s portfolio, and among the two dozen LTER sites.  All LTERs are obliged to conduct research […]

Background Reading for BES Response to the Mid-Term Review

An essay has been written to help outline the needs to be met and the theoretical structure that we must flesh out and fill in to enhance intellectual integration in […]

Preparing for the BES Year of Theory

As the New Year rings in, it is time to prepare for 2014 as the BES Year of Theory.  This designation highlights our concerted efforts to improve our ability to […]

The BES Year of Theory

Important Needs for Theory Two things are clear about theory in BES.  First, it is an extraordinarily important and well recognized tool for integration and motivation in our long-term social-ecological […]

Director’s Award 2013 to Prof. William R. Burch, Jr.

Bill Burch is one of the people without whom the Baltimore Ecosystem Study LTER would not exist.  Bill has been a pioneer in community and social forestry.  He also was […]