Nature and the City: a conference in urban ecology

Saturday, March 4 2006
at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus

sponsored by the Biology Department of Long Island University and WildMetro

When most people think of nature in New York, they rarely think of animals other than familiar creatures like rats, pigeons, squirrels, and cockroaches. However, an astounding array of wildlife – both plants and animals- hangs on in the big city. Urban ecology is an emerging field of research that promotes stewardship of healthy ecosystems. Urban ecology helps residents understand nature in their community and provides tools for protecting local environments.

The morning session will examine major issues of urban ecology and New York ecosystems. The afternoon session will focus on local groups examining our ecosystems and educating New Yorkers about their environment.

SCHEDULE
Morning Session
9:30 Breakfast and Welcome
10:00 Studying the human ecosystem in Baltimore: approaches and insights
Dr. Steward T.A. Pickett,
Distinguished Senior Scientist, Institute of Ecosystem Studies
10:40 What would happen if nature sent us a bill? Ecosystem services and human well-being
Dr. Shahid Naeem
Professor of Ecology and Chair, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology: Columbia University
11:20 The effects of urbanization on Diamondback Terrapins of the Big Apple: Distribution and predation of terrapin nests in a human-modified estuary
Dr. Russell Burke
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Hofstra University
12:00 Q and A
12:15 Lunch
Afternoon Session
1:20 A century of change in the flora of the New York metro region
Dr. Steve Clemants
Vice President for Science, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
2:00 Can’t get there from here? Urban ecology meets the real world
David Burg
President, WildMetro
2:40 Exploring Your Own Backyard
Dr. Sandi Franklin
Executive Director, Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment
3:20 Q and A

REGISTRATION
There are no fees required to attend the conference. However, seating is limited and registration is required.
Phone: Biology Deptartment: 718-488-1209 or email biology@brooklyn.liu.edu

DIRECTIONS
The Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University is located on Flatbush Avenue, between DeKalb and Willoughby Streets.
Subway:
2, 3, 4, 5 trains to Nevins Street Station
M, N, Q, R trains to DeKalb Avenue
Train:
The Long Island Railroad station is the Flatbush Avenue terminal, four blocks east of the campus.
Automobile:
From Manhattan: Manhattan Bridge - to Flatbush Avenue. The campus is on the left 4 traffic lights after the bridge. Brooklyn Bridge – At exit, turn left onto Tillary Street, then right onto the Flatbush Avenue extension. The campus is on the left (after two traffic lights.).
From Brooklyn – Take the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway east to Cadman Plaza West. Follow Cadman Plaza West to Tillary Street. Turn left on Tillary Street, then right on Flatbush Avenue extension. The campus is on the left.
From Queens – Take the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway west to Tillary Street. Turn left on Flatbush Avenue. The campus is on the left.

Big Egg Marsh