Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance

UERLA sponsors several internship programs that support parks through park-identified project assistance.

NPS

Overview

The Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA) is a Research Learning Center that serves 16 parks in National Capital Region.
We translate complex research results into readily understandable information, providing research, education, and technical assistance for parks. UERLA also provides science communication outreach to park managers and external audiences through websites, workshops, and publications. UERLA maintains research and education partnerships with universities, not-for-profit, education, and other federal agencies. The education activities of UERLA include providing training opportunities for NPS staff and partners, participating in science education programs, and building external partnerships that support science education in parks.

Contact

Ann M Gallagher, Science Education Coordinator, 202-339-8320
Diane Pavek, Research Coordinator, 202-339-8309
If you need assistance from Resource Stewardship and Science (RESS), you may submit a Solution for Technical Assistance Requests (STAR) request online (NPS Only).

Projects

• Spotlight on National Park Resources -This biennial meeting highlights research projects on cultural and natural resources in National Capital Region parks. Presentations and posters focus on understanding park cultural and natural resources and how research results inform resource management decisions. We encourage projects showcasing collaborations, interdisciplinary studies, and Chesapeake Bay Watershed landscape connections. This meeting is hosted by the Cultural Resources Advisory Team (CAT), the Natural Resources Advisory Team (NAT), and the Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance. (biennial)
• Explore Natural Communities website - Explore Natural Communities is a online conservation tool that provides national park and other land managers easy access to the complex geospatial patterns of mapped terrestrial plant communities, which can be easily scaled up to ecological systems. Interactive maps of natural communities allow users to dig deeper for more information like community descriptions and photos of plants and animals. (ongoing)

Links

• Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance