Renewal and Diversity

Dear BES Community,

As we begin 2017, we are grateful for the opportunity to clarify our research outlook. We are hard at work developing a new conceptual model, research questions, hypothesis and experimental plan for the 2018 Renewal Proposal. At the January Quarterly meeting, we had some great input from our Hydrology, Biodiversity and Social Science Breakout Groups. Since then, our ideas have been reviewed and insightfully critiqued by an independent Ad Hoc Advisory Committee and the iterative process continues. We look forward to sharing the new conceptual model once it is finalized.

Long-term Climate data was also discussed at the January meeting with a focus on what is needed for Baltimore disaster and all-hazards planning. Thanks go to Kristin Baja, who presented at our meeting and provided information about the status of the All Hazards Management Plan (AHMP).  This plan is updated every five years and looks at historical hazards. We also looked at Regional Climate Trends – John Dillow and Bob Shedlock, Climate Trends Analysis in BES – Ellen Woytowitz, Climate data sources – Bernice Rosenzweig, and NEXRAD rainfall data for spatial and temporal patterns and links to models (Jim Smith, presented by Peter Groffman).

In February we welcomed a new co-Investigator, Colin Studds, Ph.D., from the Department of Geography and Environmental Systems at UMBC. Colin has plans for investigating mammals and further research on birds in BES to complement our ongoing research on bird dynamics led by Dr. Charles Nilon.

Looking ahead to our April 26th Quarterly Meeting, we will be exploring ways of increasing diversity in BES.  Alan Berkowitz and Bess Caplan have provided the following goals for discussion at our upcoming meeting:
1.      Raise awareness within BES community of the importance and challenges of increasing diversity within our community.
2.      Help BES make progress towards crafting a visionary and feasible Diversity Plan.
3.      Evoke a shared understanding of the roles of diversity in science, and the current landscape of diversity in environmental careers and interventions.
4.      Build bridges for collaboration and contribution within BES and between BES and others in the region.
5.      Make concrete plans for the future of diversity in BES.
6.      Consider producing a short paper about diversity in, of and for BES and the urban social-ecological “workforce.”
We are anticipating a very productive meeting and hope to see you there!

Finally, we are restructuring our social media strategy and want to share the latest details. We hope that these changes will better serve the BES Community and help to raise the profile of the quality research that our project does every day and year after year. We will be archiving the existing Facebook Group and the Education page (BPESL) at the end of March 2017. There will be one BES Facebook page with more varied content appealing to investigators, educators, and artists alike: Baltimore Ecosystem Study - BES. In addition, you can follow us on Twitter @BESlter. Follow us, like our page, comment and discuss! We want to hear your thoughts on what’s happening.

Thank you,
Emma

Emma Rosi-Marshall Becomes Sole Director of BES

Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall has been co-directing BES with me since 2013.  That year, BES was reviewed by a visiting committee, and the results of that event helped us to shape the renewal process that would culminate with a new proposal in 2016.  After that review, Emma began to take an increasing leadership role in planning for the renewal, and agreed to be the Lead Principal Investigator for BES in its fourth phase.  Consequently, earlier this year we arranged to share the title of Co-Director.  Emma's taking of this mantel entailed a great deal of work and responsibility, and as the founding director of BES, I knew the project was in good hands as we transitioned to her sole leadership.  BES only works because of a dedicated community of researchers, educators, and community engagement professionals.  But Emma's leadership into the future is equally crucial.  The energies and efforts of that marvelous community need to be organized, supported, and guided.  Emma has abundantly demonstrated her ability and enthusiasm to fill those roles for BES as it moves forward.

Now, as BES officially shifts from Phase III to Phase IV, it is time for me to step aside and let the spotlight shine fully on Dr. Rosi-Marshall.  Although technically the official transfer of responsibilities will be on 1 November, it is time to recognize de facto that Dr. Rosi-Marshall is now Director of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study. 

I will stay engaged as Director Emeritus, and will do whatever I can to smooth the transition to Phase IV.  I intend to continue to be productive in and for BES.  I urge all members of the BES community to support Dr. Rosi-Marshall, and to help make this transition as easy as possible.  Continuing the excellent work and improving the theoretical and integrative power of BES are tasks she is excited about, and well prepared for.

With thanks to the current and past members of BES for their support, and with enthusiasm for sharing the work ahead,

Yours,

Steward

BES Adopts a Co-Directorship Model

Preparing for transitions in leadership in Long-Term Ecological Research projects is a big job.  The Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) has been preparing for its leadership succession since 2013.  Emma agreed at that time to become the next director of BES -- assuming a successful renewal proposal review.  Her acceptance of that responsibility was announced at the project's external Mid-Term Review, conducted by the National Science Foundation in 2013.  She was officially named Director-Designate.  

Emma and Steward have worked closely together to ensure a smooth transition in leadership since that time.  Emma has taken an increasingly large role in the administration of BES, such as leading the Quarterly Project Meetings, representing BES on the Executive Committee of the Long-Term Ecological Research Network, and most recently taking charge of the renewal proposal process, working especially closely with Deputy Director Peter Groffman on budget planning.  She has also played a major role in the planning and writing of key synthetic papers that have helped BES evaluate and improve its foundation in basic ecological theory.

To acknowledge the shared leadership, Emma and Steward are now acting as Co-Directors of BES.  At the termination of the current funding cycle, Steward will vacate his Co-Directorship, although he plans to continue to work with and support BES.  At that time, Emma will become the sole project Director.  

We have been delighted to work together to overlap the old and the new directorial arrangements. We are especially grateful for the rigorous intellectual contributions and the supportive actions of the BES membership.  The lead researchers, project management committee, postdocs, graduate students, members from our non-governmental organizations, and partners in policy, management, and education in the various jurisdictions, have all played significant roles in this process.

Steward Pickett and Emma Rosi-Marshall