Programs at FSMLs encompass research, educational
and outreach activities, and the technical requirements to support these
activities. Ideally, planning
processes dictate which programs will be pursued at a FSML, but in practice
the process for adding programs is often quite ad hoc. An overall plan that allocates percentages
of administrative effort, financial obligation, facility allocation
or person-use days to each of these program types can be very helpful
in determining whether a new program opportunity should be pursued.
Some FSMLs convene an advisory committee that helps
determine content, policies and procedures for FSML programs. These committees are sometimes called
“Scientific Advisory Committees” or “Academic Advisory
Committees”. In the
narrowest application they may address only one type of program, such
as a “Research Committee” or a “Curriculum Committee”. However, FSMLs that have set up a broader
advisory committee highly recommend the greater issue coverage because
single program are not considered in isolation, but rather are examined
holistically in the context of overall FSML activities.
These committees meet once every year or two, are
composed of professionals from beyond the confines of the FSML, and
when most effective are asked to consider planning issues proactively
rather than in reaction to a specific event.
For example, as part of a long-term planning effort a Scientific
Advisory Committee might be convened for a two-day meeting to address
whether a FSML should offer formal undergraduate research training programs. Committee members would consider the financial, social and
academic advantages and disadvantages of starting and maintaining such
a program, and would give the FSML Director the benefit of their collective
experience and judgment.
A.
Technical
Support
1.
Libraries
a.
Issues
The library needs of FSMLs vary from those facilities with only a few feet of library shelf space to full-fledged libraries with full-time staff. A wide range of materials is appropriate, from a few field guides to:
Maps
Books, monographs and journals
Photos, slides and aerial photos
Access to digital versions
of photo archives, journals, books, monographs, maps and all other library
materials
Internet access to university
library catalogs and indexing or abstracting services
There are costs associated with shelf space, room space, journal binding, subscriptions, cataloging and computational support for data access. An alternative to acquiring paper copies of journals is a subscription to electronically published and distributed journals. The field of professional librarianship offers expertise in the form of journals, monographs and consultants who can assist a FSML with determining the appropriate level of library operation and expense to serve users.
b.
Staffing
Library staffing can range from some volunteer time, to part-time secretarial help to full-time professional librarians and assistants. FSMLs may be able to obtain advice and support from campus libraries. Universities with library science degree programs may have students who need to perform internships. Cooperative arrangements with other libraries may provide internet access to digital versions of journals, citation search engines (Biosis, SCISearch), interlibrary loan, etc.
c.
Facilities
There are a number of specialized storage requirements for library materials. The advent of compressed shelving makes having a library in a small space much more feasible. Storage of some materials, especially archives, may generate specific requirements for temperature and humidity control.
d.
Policies
i.
Lending,
loaning, depositing and disposing of library materials
Often the material at FSMLs is only available for use in the library and is not checked out, particularly at small field stations. At larger FSMLs there may be reading rooms, etc. where the material can be checked out if there is staff available for monitoring. All materials that are deposited in the library should be given to a designated staff person in order to minimize chaos. Donations of journals should be controlled through accurate record-keeping of who donates and when each issue is acquired. The exception to controlling lending and depositing is the unmonitored free-for-all paperback lending library.
Many FSML libraries exists solely because of the generosity of donors providing journals and books. However, some gifts are of only marginal utility. Someone within FSML administration needs to have the authority to accept or reject library donations. Additionally, there should be a written policy for deaccessioning materials. Some books and journals are decades old and cover a span of only a few years, and would better be given to a large university science library than taking up important space at a FSML. These difficult decisions need to be made from a well considered written policy agreed to by donors, users and administrators of the FSML library.
ii. Copies of theses, dissertations, coursework papers and scientific papers
A bound copy of any thesis or dissertation based on field work conducted at a FSML should be deposited with the station. Students and visitors should be advised of this requirement to provide copies. Additionally, an archive should be created of any papers resulting from coursework projects.
iii.
Bibliography and repository of publications
FSMLs are encouraged to compile a bibliography
of all publications resulting from work conducted at the FSML. At least two copies of journal articles
as well as other printed materials resulting from work at the FSML should
be provided to the Director or the library. Compliance with this requirement
should be a condition of continuing to work at the FSML. The cumulative body of knowledge about
the FSML that results from these studies is of great importance to future
scientific users.
iv. Donations of books
There is a cost associated with storage of books. For public relations reasons, donations should be encouraged, but some selection of donated material is required. A letter acknowledging a gift of books or journals that meets IRS requirements for charitable donation substantiation should always be provided to the donor.
2.
Collections
a.
Issues
i. Databases
For each collection of items, a database should be prepared. A wide range of collection database software is available. Most FSMLs with collections would benefit from developing partnerships with museums and following museum protocols such as those established by the American Association of Systematics.
ii. Legal issues – permits for
collection and possession
Usually regional, state and federal permits are required to collect plants and animals, even if they are not listed as threatened or endangered species. Researchers should provide copies of current permits with the FSML research application forms. Often a FSML provides list of contacts in appropriate government agencies to facilitate the permit process. In some cases, it may be possible for a FSML to apply for a general permit to cover all research and teaching activity admitted or approved by the FSML. Some states require that either original permits or copies of permits be in the physical possession of collectors when they are collecting. Old specimens at FSMLs may now require possession permits. Examples of likely materials include eagle feathers, skeletal remains of native peoples, etc.
b.
Staffing
Keeping track of new collections and materials to be lent can require a great deal of staff time. Collaboration with regional museums and herbariums should be developed. Perhaps volunteer labor for preparing or cataloging specimens can be found through internship programs.
c.
Facilities
Facilities to store plants, animals and other specimens can be very expensive. Before committing to storing samples, a FSML should develop a long-range plan for space allocation and maintenance expenses. Tissue, soil and other collections may require expensive storage in ultra-cold freezers that require continuous electric supply. Formalin and other fluids used in collections may require special building permits and fire prevention structures. There are a number of references available describing how to store various types of plant and animal materials as well as soil, air and water samples. The proper storage of scientific collections can be very expensive and highly technical. Many FSMLs are unable to provide adequate storage opportunities for individual scientists and suggest that home institutions might be more appropriate venues to meet specimen storage needs.
d.
Policies
for lending, loaning, depositing and disposing of specimens
Similar to the situation for library materials, policies need to be developed and understood by all with regard to how collection materials are used. Specimens need to be tracked by staff if they are to be removed from the storage facility and loaned to scientists or other institutions. Policies should be developed for acquiring specimens and for removing them from the collection.
3.
Information
Management and Computer Facilities
a.
Issues
i. Cost
Costs associated with computing and information management can be significant. For FSMLs, several good reviews exist. The issues were defined and documented extensively in the workshop summary “Data and Information Management in the Ecological Sciences: Synopsis from a Field Station Perspective” (Swain and Michener 2000). The full report, called “DIMES”, is also available (Michener, Porter and Stafford 1998).
ii.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a very quickly evolving landscape of options. Costs are dropping and satellite technology can soon deliver good connectivity almost anywhere. FSMLs should contact their supporting institution or the OBFS liaison at the LTER office for the latest options. Often university or other sponsoring institution connections can be extended to FSMLs at reasonable costs. Independent FSMLs might investigate the possibility of securing connectivity through a nearby university or public agency.
iii.
Power and lightning protection
Issues relating to the determination of power sources for computing systems are discussed extensively in the DIMES report. It is particularly important for FSMLs to have uninterrupted power supplies attached to their computers and other equipment to minimize damage associated with electrical voltage fluctuations. Some of the best lightning protection at field stations is installed at Archbold Biological Station in Florida. The Archbold system was partially funded by NSF and details about the system are available directly from Archbold staff.
iv. Maintenance and replacement
The average lifetime expectancy of a computer, either desktop or laptop, is three to five years. Budget plans should reflect limited period of utility. Short lifetime also apply to servers, hubs, routers and other network components. Printers and other peripherals may have even shorter lifetimes.
v. Information back-up
Administrative and research information at a FSML should be backed up on a regular basis and stored in two or more locations, ideally with one off-site.
vi. Functions
There can be a wide range of hardware and software at a FSML. Resources can be as basic as one PC for administration with a 56K modem on a single phone line, or as complex as a network across all the FSML facilities, an elaborate GIS lab, and fast internet connections. More elaborate systems will require some professional information technology assistance on the site as well as sufficient building space and bandwidth. It is difficult to define a minimum installation for a FSML, but the ability to provide e-mail and web access is reasonably important. The ability to grow can be severely constrained by limited bandwidth availability.
vii.
Audio visual resources
Basic audio visual resources at a FSML used to include simply slide or overhead projectors and an array of computer printers and photocopiers. Today, digital photography, use of a laptop computer and a digital projector of at least XVGA quality can all greatly improve the teaching and outreach capacity of a FSML. As more outreach goes online, images from websites and digital projectors can be shared. By skipping the processing of film slides, presentations can be quickly assembled and shared over the internet.
viii. Distance learning and conferencing
Distance learning opportunities are embraced philosophically by some FSMLs and rejected by others. Issues to consider include the ability to reach a wide audience versus the fundamental experience gained by being outside in the field. The debate is moot for many FSMLs, however, because both distance learning and conferencing capabilities require at least partial T1 bandwidth, or at two 156K ISDN phone lines.
ix.
General principles
Here are some general principles that result from
direct experience at FSMLs:
-
It often
pays not to be at the cutting edge of technology. For example, the latest release of a software
or hardware product is often rife with bugs or other problems. Furthermore, cost is at a premium for
the cutting edge product. Compatibility
is often an issue. Sometimes
the most recent version of software is not compatible with earlier versions.
However, being more than a year out of date can reduce effective
communications with other scientists at other institutions.
-
It is better
to err on the side of more frequent back ups.
-
Ease of
use, access to service, and customer support are high priorities in
purchasing hardware and software, particularly at remote FSMLs. It is better to purchase off the shelf,
integrated components as opposed to on-site programming and fabrication.
b.
Staffing
It is important to establish how much staff time can be allocated to support the information management needs of either visiting scientists or FSML research and administrative staff. Often considerable effort is involved in just maintaining basic infrastructure. Software updates generate a continual demand for time and support, but are necessary to keep up with the larger research community. At many FSMLs, anywhere from 10-25% of the research budget must be allocated to computing and communication support. Additional staff time must be spent consulting with visiting and resident researchers and staff to confirm the nature of information management needs over time.
Many FSMLs begin with a half-time position dedicated to information management, and let the need drive the increase in staff allocation. Funding can be derived from research or station fees, or indirect cost recovery mechanisms. Managing administrative and scientific information is not an optional activity at a FSML, but rather is a fundamental and integral part of FSML administration.
c.
Facilities
Facilities can range from a single PC with a modem to a local area network linking dozens of computers to the internet. The greater the investment in computer hardware, the greater the need to invest in lightning protection, uninterruptable power system and related infrastructure and support staff. It may pay to have a private consultant work with new FSMLs or with FSMLs contemplating upgrades of computers and computational network infrastructure. For example, fiber optic networking requires specialized equipment and tools. A great deal of expertise is available to FSMLs from the OBFS liaison position at the LTER central office at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
d.
Policies
i. Providing consulting expertise
Each FSML should develop specific policies regarding
how much FSML-paid information management staff time is allocated to
consulting with staff and visiting researchers. Perhaps fee-based consulting can be provided within the FSML
to help offset other information management expenses.
ii. User fees
Many FSMLs have found that a reasonable fee for
visiting researchers to provide access to e-mail or the internet is
acceptable (eg. $20/user/month).
Several FSMLs embed this expense in fees for general access to
station facilities. Fees should reflect costs for internet
access, telephone billing, etc.
Additional fees may be necessary to cover supplies, media, etc. Using locking software to limit one or
a few workstations to only e-mail, telnet and browsers can greatly reduce
staff time to maintain computers and monitor usage. Often visiting users are unaware of how much more it costs
in rural areas to secure connectivity.
Internet service providers in rural Colorado, for example, pay
nearly four times what ISPs in Denver pay for phone line availability.
iii.
Software installation
A policy needs to be developed to prevent violation of copyrights of software on multiple machines. Installed software cannot be copied or downloaded onto other machines. The FSML as the “umbrella” organization bears the burden of violation prevention and must have a written policy in place to minimize liability exposure to copyright lawsuits.
iv. Virus protection
A policy should be implemented to install virus
protection on all machines and update virus definitions on a regular
basis. Web-updated virus
protection software is ideal for FSMLs.
v. Access
A policy addressing access to computers, information databases and networks should be developed by every FSML. The terms of the policy will depend on FSML size, staffing and facilities. In many cases machines, software and data files can easily be password protected. Expertise is available to FSMLs from the LTER main office.
vi.
Data sharing
Each station should have a clear policy on data ownership and data sharing. There are emerging rules concerning the sharing of data collected with federal research grant funds. The LTER office can provide the most recent information.
vii. Data
catalog
OBFS is developing a process whereby a brief summary of each data set developed at every FSML is compiled for an OBFS data catalog. The National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML) is also addressing institutional data sharing. Each FSML should develop a policy to encourage all scientists and students to catalog their data sets.
viii. Data repository
Over time, it may be useful for FSMLs to archive copies of raw data and metadata (Michener et al. 1997). Each data set should be described in the FSML data catalog.
ix. Citation policy for data use
FSMLs should have a policy stating that all publications will provide adequate acknowledgment of station support and complete citations for any FSML data used.
x. Back-up and archiving
FSMLs should have a policy mandating backing up and archiving administrative and research data. Ideally, data should be backed up frequently and at least one copy stored off site.
B.
Research
1.
Issues
a.
Research
resource allocation
FSMLs need to determine the relative allocation of resources to researchers from the sponsoring institution and visiting researchers from other academic institutions. FSMLs should recognize that the National Science Foundation tends to decline funding requests from FSMLs that do not show significant use (undefined, but approximately more than 25%) by the broader scientific community beyond the sponsoring institution. Many FSMLs are strongly supportive of extensive use of their facilities by outside researchers because of the cross-fertilization of ideas that occurs in a diverse research community. Procedures should be developed to allow decisions about resource allocations to researchers when demand for housing, labs, research sites and other facilities exceeds capacity.
b.
Manipulative
or non-manipulative research
FSMLs need to define which parts of the land under their influence or management shall be dedicated to manipulative or non-manipulative uses, recognizing that manipulative uses of the land may preclude other future ecological or genetic studies. All manipulative studies should be mapped so that future research conducted on previously manipulated sites can consider effects of past manipulations. If manipulative studies are conducted, plans should include some long-term markers for the manipulated sites. Also, the manipulated sites should be surveyed with GPS and entered in a GIS. Paper maps of manipulated sites can be archived as well.
c.
Zoning
of lands
Zoning allows stations to provide a variety of exclusive and non-exclusive uses of land under their management or influence. Each station should develop a map that is clearly understood by all which shows places that can be used by the general public, by teachers and students, lands exclusively used for research and land that can support combinations of public, teaching and research. Additionally, there should be a functional mechanism that makes it easy for researchers to mark their study plots on the map each field season. Annual updating of research sites maps should be required of all scientists and students at a FSML.
d.
Long-term
or short-term studies
Long-term studies can preclude the use of some land for other uses, potentially for a very long time. All long-term studies should be clearly mapped and marked so that future researchers using that land understand where the previous studies have been conducted, and what associated historical data may be available. If long-term studies are conducted, plans should include some long-term markers for the research sites. Long-term study sites should be surveyed with GPS and entered in a GIS. Paper maps of long-term sites can be archived as well.
e.
Use of
public lands
FSMLs may have cooperative use agreements or informal use agreements with a variety of private, state and federal lands. Each FSML should encourage a cooperative effort in tracking research with appropriate land management and resource management agencies. Formal agreements can be negotiated and working groups formed to include representatives of landowners and land managers for the geographic area of shared research interests.
f.
Type of
research program
Most FSMLs host research conducted by scientists
at a variety of stages of professional development. These levels include projects conducted by high school students,
undergraduates, graduate students, professional scientists, and public
agency personnel. Each
of these levels involves relatively less or more supervision from the
FSML administration. Other
administrative implications include who is responsible for research
behavior (eg. a minor cannot legally sign an agreement to abide by a
research code).
g.
In-house
grants, cost sharing, student support
FSMLs can provide in-house grants, cost-sharing and student support if funds are available. Even small amounts of money can make a huge difference to the success of undergraduate or graduate student research efforts. FSML grants can be used to encourage different elements of the overall research programs, if certain areas need bolstering. For example, grants could be provided to continue annual stream water monitoring efforts by independent graduate students. A postdoc position could be awarded to initiate a watershed monitoring program involving undergraduate research interns. If the sponsoring institution awards grants, it could consider providing the FSML with housing and facility maintenance costs to defray the operating expenses incurred by those who are awarded such support.
h.
Focused
research themes versus general research programs
FSMLs will need to determine the degree to which the station will support a wide diversity of research topics. These research program issues should be addressed through an ongoing planning process. For example, it is possible for a small group of scientists in a relatively narrow field of study to make a long-term commitment of lands to manipulative study thus precluding many future opportunities for more diverse research uses.
i. Compatibility of research projects
Consideration should be given to the nature of proposed research and its impact on other current research projects. For example, a study that proposes to introduce a population of honeybees or another pollinator would be devastating to long-term studies of plant-pollinator interactions in the same area. As more applied projects are conducted at FSMLs, issues of compatibility with observational science will become more contentious.
2.
Staff
a.
Stations
without research staff
Many FSMLS only have staff who facilitate the research efforts of others, not staff who conduct research. Providing facilities for visiting research can require housing interns, technicians, scientists and families and providing laboratories or other resources for these research teams.
Often a FSML creates a part-time staff position called “Research Coordinator” to focus on addressing the many needs of visiting research programs. For example, a large research group wishing to work at the FSML may develop a grant proposal for submission to a funding agency such as NSF. A staff member of the FSML should review the proposal at an early stage so that compatibility of the research, housing and other facility needs of the research program are addressed well before the project is funded. Once funding is received, an obligation has been created on the part of the FSML to provide the necessary resources for the length of the project.
b.
Stations
with research staff
FSMLs with in-house research programs (hereafter called sponsored research) will need to determine the relative allocation of resources their scientific staff. Any funding received by sponsored research programs generates an expectation that the necessary resources required to conduct an effective research program will be provided to the scientific staff. They will naturally assume that they have the highest priority for space allocation.
3.
Facilities
a.
Facility
development
Decisions about facility development should be based on a plan that considers long-term carrying capacity in the context of the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the FSML. In the context of a facilities plan the relative allocation of space and other resources for research, education and outreach can be addressed.
b.
Facilities
needed for different research programs
Many different research programs can be pursued at a FSML. It is easy for some research users to share spaces with other programs, but other programs require segregated facilities. A recommended parameter when considering how to allocate research resources is to ask how the program in question affects other people. Is it a nocturnal research project? Will there be 10 people preparing samples in a lab at late hours, playing music while they work? Will soil samples be heated, generating offending odors? Are emeriti researchers who spend hours writing in their office being asked to work next to a large, noisy lab with many undergraduates coming and going? Does a research team need to be near outside faucets, greenhouses, controlled plots, animal handling facilities, etc? All of these issues will arise later in the midst of a hectic field season. Careful consideration in advance when planning space assignments can make everyone much happier.
Another facilities question is the degree to which staff from sponsored research projects can share resources with visiting researchers. This issue may be difficult to resolve, because in-house staff are in their labs daily and use resources regularly, while visitors come and go and may not be as knowledgeable about nor careful with research equipment. On the other hand, the mixing of scientific staff with visitors creates a synergy that is one of the most productive attributes of science conducted at a FSML. Thoughtfulness and consideration on the part of the FSML will go far toward minimizing potential conflicts.
c.
Animal
holding facilities
A FSML should decide whether animal holding and manipulation will be permitted. Most FSMLs feel an obligation to provide this service for research users of their facility. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates animal holding for research and teaching purposes. The local USDA officer should be consulted when planning animal facilities, because s/he will have to inspect the FSML animal facilities for compliance with federal regulations. The scientific societies have developed protocols for handling regulated species for field and laboratory experimentation. FSMLs with animal handling research projects can choose to admit those projects themselves and assemble an animal welfare committee in compliance with USDA regulations, or they can require that every researcher provide evidence of compliance with their home institution’s animal handling procedures.
4.
Research Policies
FSMLs need to develop a variety of policies relating to research programs. Consideration should be given to how research users at FSMLs are included in planning efforts that lead to policy formulation. Types of research policies that will be required at most FSMLs are listed below:
a.
Facility
allocation
Each FSML should develop policies and procedures for allocating station resources for both the short- and long-term. It is especially important to be prepared for how to respond to a greater demand for research space than can be accommodated at the FSML. Consideration needs to be given to resource needs for long-term baseline monitoring studies (meteorological, permanent vegetation productivity plots, mapped forest stands, etc.), short-term research projects (individual and small-group, 1-3 year projects, extramurally funded, Master student projects, etc.), and collaborative large-scale studies ( e.g. National Acid Deposition Program, phylogenetic studies, etc.)
b.
Research
fees
FSMLs should develop procedures for setting fees that will assist with recovering operational costs associated with research use. Examples of fees include laboratory rental, station use fees, computing fees, overhead charges for grants run through the FSML, etc. Some FSMLs embed these fees in one overall charge and others allow extremely detailed itemization. The mechanism for collecting the fees and sanctions for nonpayment should be articulated in a manner that every user must read and abide by. Some FSMLs convene a laboratory management committee to address conflicts concerning user fees, scheduling issues, etc. for research facilities.
c.
Research
codes
Many FSMLs have a research code that governs research
conduct. The code usually
evolves from a mater plan and specifies what kinds of research are allowed
at the site. Restrictions
on research topics (e.g., non-native species/genes, transgenetics, etc.)
are listed. Priorities for space allocation are stated.
Expected standards of behavior are articulated.
Requirements such as registering research plots on a map, providing
copies of all necessary federal and state permits to the FSML office,
depositing raw data in the FSML information archive, depositing voucher
specimens in the FSML collection, depositing any publications resulting
from research conducted at the FSML in the library or administrative
office, etc. are listed in the research code.
Usually researchers must sign that they have read the research
code and agree to abide by it as part of the FSML application and admission
process.
d.
Research
application and review process
FSMLs usually develop a formal application process that includes a form to capture information on users (name, contact information, sponsor, funding amount, duration, facility requested, land requirements, proposed locations, etc.). The application requires that users read and agree to the FSML research code. Proof of federal and state permits is often required at the time of application. Mention of any hazardous materials is required. Animal care and use applications may need to be appended, or evidence of animal protocol approvals from home institutions may need to be provided. Decisions on research project approval should not prevent or impair the future value of the FSML as a natural system, unless there is a conscious desire to make significant changes.
Formal approvals of research projects need to be specific as to their extent. Is the project admitted for three years? Five years? Forever? When is a new application required? What facilities are promised to the research project, for how long a time?
e.
Termination
of research projects
FSMLs should develop policies and procedures to ensure that all research materials are removed at the end of a field study. Some examples of materials often left behind include hazardous chemicals, rebar, PVC pipes, trailers, fences, flagging, wires, sensors, etc. Securing compliance with material removal requirements is very difficult and will require attentive administrative staff. In the most egregious cases, granting agencies such as NSF can be notified.
C.
Education
1.
Planning
Planning efforts provide an important context for considering which educational programs are appropriate to a FSML. Plans should:
- Articulate a vision statement for FSML education and training.
- Assess strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and challenges.
- Determine appropriate categories and scales to be included in the definition of “education” programs.
- Evaluate the role of the FSML in each of the contemplated educational activities. For example, will the FSML conduct the program? Simply host it?
- Develop programmatic guidelines for time and resource allocation.
- Identify funding resources.
- Associate timelines with various projects.
2.
Program
scales to consider
a.
Undergraduate
education
The role of the FSML in undergraduate educational offerings should be defined. This role can range from merely offering a site for visiting classes, to sponsoring a full range of undergraduate courses from the sciences, arts, humanities or other disciplines. The level of facility use can vary for each type of undergraduate program. Uses include being a field trip destination, providing space and resources for resident courses, supporting independent studies and summer projects, participating as a required curriculum component for some majors, or providing research training in the field. Priorities will need to be determined for the variety of programs offered, and also for the source of the program (home institution, consortium members, other colleges or universities, etc.)
b.
Graduate
education
Many FSMLs provide facilities for graduate students to undertake thesis or dissertation projects. Sometimes the student’s major professor is not in residence, and the student is an independent researcher. Formal FSML educational offerings at the graduate level include specialized seminars and training in specific advanced field or lab techniques.
c.
Pre-Kindergarten
– 12 (PreK-12)
Consider the definitions of education that are appropriate for the FSML. Some less formal PreK-12 programs are considered to be outreach programs. The role of the FSML in formal PreK-12 education should be carefully defined, since these programs can easily come to dominate the daily life of a FSML. Roles can vary from a partnership with school districts or individual schools, to curriculum development, to providing natural resource case studies for already established programs (Riverwatch, Project Wild, etc.), to providing a field trip destination, or to facilitating a weekend outdoor experience. There are also opportunities to receive NSF funding for providing high school students with research training opportunities.
d.
Teacher
training
FSMLs host teacher training programs at a number of levels. These include providing specialized training for college or university faculty, often related to new field science techniques that can be adapted to undergraduate teaching or research labs. FSMLs also participate in PreK-12 teacher training in conjunction with Schools of Education. A third category of teacher training is providing opportunities for teachers already in service to expand their knowledge. There are a number of funding opportunities at NSF for teacher training at all of these levels. FSMLs can also participate in programs such as Project FIRST (see link on the OBFS home page).
e.
Public
education
This category includes activities that are generated by a public school system, or in partnership with one. Activities that are solely generated by the FSML in order to inform the public about FSML activities are usually categorized as “outreach” and are discussed in the following section. There are a number of opportunities for FSMLs to participate in public education, such as:
-
Natural
history tours (partnering
opportunities)
-
Interpretative
programs (docents, community ambassadors)
-
Public
workshops, training (e.g. bird ID, medicinal plant use, plant pressing,
papermaking)
-
Volunteer
activities (e.g. stream restoration, exotic removal, monitoring, plant
propagation)
Many FSMLs enter into these activities to generate some revenue, and find they are ultimately overwhelmed with requests to accommodate school groups. A careful watch should be kept on what percentage of FSML resources are devoted to participation in public education, since conflicts with research use of space and facilities are common.
f.
Resource
management professionals
A number of FSMLs have developed seminars or workshops
for professionals who manage resources at public agencies or for large
corporations. These seminars
can be quite lucrative, but require a significant expenditure of administrative
effort. Issues to consider
include determining the role for the FSML, the nature of partnerships
and how they are formally constituted, responsibilities for marketing,
and responsibilities for curriculum content.
Successful workshops include focused efforts addressing reasonably
specific local or regional natural resource needs.
There are also opportunities to provide professional certification
and training in research techniques such as water quality monitoring,
bird-banding, etc.
3.
Staffing
There is an infinite array of staffing configurations
for FSML education program. The first step is to identify the role and responsibilities
of the FSML in each program, based on FSML priorities and funding resources. Who provides instructors? Who develops curriculum content? Who coordinates educational programs? Who gives tours or intercepts program
participants in other ways? Who
markets the programs? When
programs evolve from partnerships with other entities, it is especially
important to articulate these roles clearly.
Identify strategic projects that have clear timeframes
and expectations. Differentiate
between short-term and ongoing programs. Define roles for short-term staff projects. Roles include:
|
Title |
Status |
Responsibilities |
|
Academic
Program Coordinator |
Full
time/Part time Staff
Position |
Coordinate
research and educational user community, administration, provide
proposal support |
|
Reserve
Manager |
Full
Time/Part Time Faculty
Member |
Facility
management, public relations, research liaison |
|
Scientific
Staff/Faculty |
Adjunct
Faculty, Instructors |
Conduct
biological research, publish, teach graduate students, obtain
extramural funds |
|
Environmental
Education Specialists |
Contract,
Short-term |
Develop
and implement an environmental education curriculum |
|
Volunteers |
Temporary,
Unpaid |
Docents,
Teacher’s Aide |
|
Volunteer
Coordinator |
Contract,
Short-term |
Coordinate
Volunteers, Events |
4.