Defining the Schoolyard LTER Program: Priorities, Infrastructure, and Communications

The Schoolyard LTER (SYLTER) program through an annual supplement made available to LTER sites was initiated over three years ago. The program was further expanded when both the Baltimore and Central Arizona Phoenix urban LTERs joined the LTER network and were given the directive to include a significant education outreach component to their program. Over the past three years LTER sites with SYLTER programs have pursued various outreach models somewhat individually, with modest communication and little coordination among sites. Individual programs have included field trips, classroom presentations, outdoor laboratories, and curriculum development. Thus far there has been little communication and little coordination among SYLTER programs. After three years of experience SYLTER sites now are at the stage of seeking consensus on the program’s goals, objectives, and national coordination.