A Lotta Gelata in the California Current Ecosystem!
There are a multitude of reasons why gelatinous zooplankton pose an enticing scientific challenge. Dante Capone explores why the CCE LTER studies these creatures in a new SSALTER blog post.
Trees know their neighbors – and respond differently when they die
A new study leveraging a 40-year data set from old-growth forests demonstrates that trees can experience growth suppression or release depending on the identity and size of their downed neighbor.
Reflecting on EDI: a decade in review
Appreciating the history, work, and future of the Long-Term Ecological Research Network’s data repository, the Environmental Data Initiative.
(Who Blessed) The Rains Down at the CAP LTER
An experimental approach takes a ground-level look at the ecological winners and losers of desert soil communities under shifting precipitation regimes in the Central Arizona-Phoenix LTER.
Across fourteen LTERs, soil carbon is a “gatekeeper” on the nitrogen cycle
An LTER cross site synthesis effort reveals that soil carbon availability determines nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates across a wide diversity of terrestrial ecosystems.
Similar invasive insects coexist through slight differences in environmental responses
Novel analyses of a 31-year dataset on invading ladybeetles shows that small differences in habitat preference across years allow for two similar invading species to coexist while native species decline.
Cosmic Questions with Tremendous Practical Value: Exploring the Potential for Co-Production of Knowledge with Hubbard Brook in the White Mountain National Forest
Considerable work happens behind the scenes as Sarah Garlick, Hubbard Brook’s Director of Science Engagement, brings together researchers and forest managers to identify shared research priorities in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.
Swamp Eels Wreak Havoc on Small Species at the Florida Coastal Everglades LTER
Since its introduction in 2009, the swamp eel has nearly eliminated several populations of small aquatic species in the Everglades watershed. The new invasive may be more disruptive to the Everglades than the park’s flagship invasive, the Burmese Python, and brings a new challenge to Everglades management and restoration.
Spare a thought for the roots
Nutrient addition increases aboveground plant growth more than it increases belowground plant growth, suggesting that the two are not linked.
Data Analysts at the LTER boost working group productivity
The LTER Network Office hired two data analysts, Angel Chen and Nick Lyon, in 2021 to tackle short but critical wrangling tasks during working groups’ in-person meetings. Here’s how they’ve helped groups during the past year.
Top Stories
Leveraging Generative AI: Applications for the LTER Network
Three new SPARC Synthesis Groups demonstrate the value of long-term data collected across ecosystems
Listening First: How KBS is Expanding the Reach of Conservation Research
Ecology: The Science of Resiliency
Boxes and boxes of bees—a Sevilleta LTER dataset highlight
Site Exchange Fellows Announced
LTER Graduate Students and Postdocs Summer Mentoring Community of Practice
Collaboration with Shellfishers: an APEAL Seed Project
Letting art do the work that science cannot: Bonanza Creek’s In a Time of Change program
Request for Synthesis Proposals 2025