Pamela A. Freeman The science behind environmental solutions Vol. 6, Issue 2, May 2012 INVASIVE PESTS THREATEN OUR NORTHERN FORESTS by Sian M. Hunter Sometimes the littlest things cause the biggest problems. For forests in the Northeast, small invasive species like beetles or fungus pose a more immediate danger than do air pollution and climate change. These pests are assisted by a variety of short-sighted human actions. Cary Institute forest ecologist Gary Lovett, who studies the ecosystem effects of introduced insects and pathogens such as gypsy moth, hemlock woolly adelgid, and beech bark disease, is sounding the alarm for citizens and politicians. "This problem is not new—most people are familiar with how chestnut blight and Dutch elm disease eliminated these species from our landscapes—but the pace at which new pests are being introduced is new," Lovett notes. "People don't realize the grave threat these invaders present to whole species and ecosystems. It's biological pollution." Unlike global warming, which creeps up slowly over decades, biological pollution is a surprise attack, and time is not on the side of invaded forests. The emerald ash borer, for example, was introduced in Detroit in 2002, probably through untreated wood packing material in cargo containers from Asia. The larvae of this exotic beetle feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the flow of nutrients and killing the tree. The pest has spread east and west, and outbreaks have already occurred in Saugerties and West Point. "It's only a matter of time before it reaches the east side of the Hudson. I predict large stands of ash trees will not exist in this area in ten years," says Lovett. Once these pests are established, there is no consistently effective way to conquer them; people might be able to treat and save a particular tree in their own yard, but the pests are simply going to find another. Which is why Lovett urges people to focus instead on next invaders, not the established ones. "The best way to ward off invaders is to keep them away in the first place." Alien forest pests enter the country by two main pathways: wood packing material and imported horticultural plants. While cleaning up packing material will require stricter federal regulations and enforcement, individuals can help reduce the second pathway by landscaping with native instead of imported plants. "Sudden Oak Death disease is a good example of how biological pollution needlessly occurs when people choose exotic plants," remarks Lovett. "This pathogen probably arrived on imported "Catastrophic loss of tree species and a huge taxpayer burden—where's the sense in this?" rhododendrons and, in a little over a decade, has devastated some species of oak in Oregon and northern California. Yet native rhododendrons are widely available from nurseries." Another recent arrival that might have been avoided is the Asian longhorned beetle, which affects North American hardwoods, especially maples. Outbreaks have been recorded from Chicago to central Massachusetts, where over 25,000 affected trees have been removed at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars to taxpayers. In all, invasive forest insects cost Americans over $5 billion per year. "Catastrophic loss of tree species and a huge taxpayer burden—where's the sense in this?" Lovett asks. "Nobody relishes campaigns to change consumer behavior and to increase federal enforcement of trade regulations, but we need precisely this before maples, ash, hemlocks, and other key species go the way of the chestnut." HIGHLIGHTS 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : From the President's Desk Lyme Disease Risk Increases Spotlights HRECOS, Field Notes Supporters' Corner, Aldo Leopold Event Calendar CARY INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES 2 ECOfOCUS Ecofocus is published by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Our scientists are leading efforts to understand human impacts on air and water quality, climate change, invasive species, and the ecological dimensions of infectious disease. As an independent, not- for-profit organization, the Cary Institute pro¬ duces unbiased research that leads to more effective management and policy decisions. PRESIDENT: William H. Schlesinger, Ph.D. EDITOR: Lori M. Quillen WRITER: Sian M. Hunter PRODUCTION: Pamela A. Freeman Address newsletter correspondence to: Communications Office Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Box AB Millbrook, NY 12545 E-mail: QuillenL@caryinstitute.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES Irene W. Banning, Chair Steven M. Benardete, Vice Chair Jerry M. Melillo, Ph.D., Vice Chair Edward A. Ames, Secretary John E. Rorer, Treasurer William H. Schlesinger, Ph.D., President Tim Bontecou Sallie W. Chisholm, Ph.D. J. Barclay Collins Geoffrey W. Dann Edward L. Fishman Carol L. Folt, Ph.D. Dan Gabel Bradford S. Gentry* Elizabeth R. Hilpman Gretchen Long*^ Thomas E. Lovejoy, Ph.D. Robert Quinlan Paul G. Risser, Ph.D.*^ Ralph C. Schmidt Martin L. Senzel Allan P. Shope Elizabeth Farran Tozer Serena H. Whitridge Julia Widdowson *Past Chair ♦ Honorary Trustee FROM OUR PRESIDENT Cary will continue to focus scientific research on the critical environmental problems facing the world. Dear Friends of the Cary Institute: For an organization like the Cary Institute, it's important every few years to sit back and reflect on where we've come and where we're going. For the past six months, we've been doing exactly that, and in the process, writing a new strategic plan to guide the Cary Institute through most of the rest of this decade. Our plans are ambitious and constrained by tight resources. But enthusiasm and the pursuit of scholarly impact run deep. Cary will continue to focus scientific research on the critical environmental problems facing the world, and increasingly we will attempt to translate and transmit the results of our findings to those in need—media, policy makers, the corporate world, and the public. This newsletter highlights a couple of ongoing projects—Gary Lovett's work on forest pests and pathogens and Richard Ostfeld's work on Lyme disease. Our upcoming forum on hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale will help disseminate current knowledge to citizens and local officials. Water, health, and energy are all things that people care about. The Institute will strengthen its work on the ecology of freshwater ecosystems, disease ecology, the impacts of new sources of energy on the environment, and forest response to global changes in the environment. Our overall goal is to understand how ecosystems work, so that we can preserve, protect, and manage functional ecosystems for future generations. We will also concentrate on the delivery of an exciting program of public events for the citizens of the mid-Fludson valley. We want you to become familiar with ecosystem science and what we do here every day. We hope all of you can join us for a Friday Night at Cary Institute program. And, as always, we count on your support so that we can deliver the best science for a better future. Dr. William H. Schlesinger, President VOL 6, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 EDUCATION WARM SPRING TOPS OFF A PERFECT STORM FOR INCREASED LYME DISEASE RISK by Sian M. Hunter The fabric of Lyme disease ecology just got a new wrinkle. Disease ecologist Richard Ostfeld, who has been mapping the ecology of Lyme disease with forest ecologist Charles Canham for over two decades, sees several events lining up for what could be a perfect storm of Lyme risk for humans. The chain of events starts with acorns, which feed the mice that host the ticks that carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. In 2010, acorn production in the Northeast set a record high in the twenty years of Ostfeld's monitoring. Populations of white-footed mice surged as a result of the ready food supply. In 2011, however, acorn production crashed. While acorn cycles rise and fall naturally, Ostfeld notes, having such extremes in consecutive years is remarkable. "So now, on the heels of one of the smallest acorn crops we've ever seen, the mouse population is also crashing," he explains. "This spring there will be a lot of infected black-legged ticks in our forests looking for a blood meal. And instead of finding a white-footed mouse, they are going to find other mammals— like us." Unlike white-footed mice, who can be infected by Lyme with little adversity, the disease is debilitating to humans. Left undiagnosed, it can cause joint pain, chronic fatigue, and neurological problems. Lyme is now the most prevalent vector-borne illness in the United States, with the majority of cases occurring in the Northeast. Usually, May is the month associated with tick behaviors that increase human disease risk. With the also record- breaking mild temperatures in the Northeast this past winter, however, ticks in the nymph stage may have begun their feeding activity sooner this year. While adult ticks can transmit Lyme, it is the poppy seed-sized nymphs that pose the greater human health threat. "When you have extremes in weather events, to some degree all bets are off. Ticks are cold-blooded creatures, so things get speeded up in terms of their metabolism and development when warm temperatures come early," Ostfeld explains. "We expect 2012 to be the worst year for Lyme disease risk ever," Ostfeld warns. Even before the turn of the year, Ostfeld and his colleagues began spreading the word through press releases, social networking, and educational efforts. The news is circulating, with coverage in major media such as the New York Times , Fox News, NBC Nightly News, and National Public Radio. Ostfeld recommends adopting precautions before and after outdoor activity: "Apply repellent containing at least 20% DEET or permethrin on clothing to keep ticks at bay, and be sure to treat shoes and socks, because nymphal ticks are mostly at ground level. Check yourself and your kids daily during nymph season, which runs from May through July. Be aware of Lyme's flu-like symptoms and seek medical attention if you get chills, fever, muscle aches, and lethargy outside of flu season." In addition to educating both health professionals and the public on the reasons for the increased risk, Ostfeld refers people to informative websites such as the Lyme disease page created by the Centers for Disease Control. For NY regional updates, Ostfeld suggests the resources at www.stopticks.org. CARY INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES SPOTLIGHTS UNTANGLING CLIMATE H NORTHEAST SCIENCE IMPACTS ON FORESTS ■ AND POLICY CONSORTIUM Gene Likens recently co-authored an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) addressing the challenges of untangling climate change impacts from other factors in forests. In assessing a major drop in nitrate loss from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), it was revealed that past disturbances, such as logging, must be included. Located in New Hampshire, the HBEF hosts hundreds of long-term studies that comprise the most complete record of climate and watershed dynamics in the world. Analyzing long-term data on nitrogen, Likens and colleagues found that nitrate concentrations in streams are at a 46-year low, and nitrate loss from the watershed has decreased by 90%. In identifying the mechanisms responsible for this change, variables such as airborne nitrogen pollution, climate change, and disturbance were assessed. Logging emerged as the biggest factor driving the shift in nitrogen dynamics. After extensive timbering in the White Mountains in the early 1900s, nitrate loss hit a high point in the 1970s, but now is steadily declining as the forest recovers. The authors caution that, since forest ecosystems need centuries to rebalance from historical disturbances, scientists need to scrutinize their baseline data to separate such effects from climate change markers. Cary Institute's motto, "the science behind environmental solutions," is motivating a new collaborative venture. In November, a delegation from the Cary Institute met with other scientists, policy leaders, and media experts to plan a new partnership intended to bridge the gap between science and policy. Named the Northeast Science and Policy Consortium, the joint venture will provide objective information on serious environmental problems so as to better inform critical decisions facing our society. The effort will establish a strategic flow of information that synthesizes scientific research, disseminates material through press releases and educational reports, and briefs policymakers at regional and federal levels. The six institutions leading the effort are the Cary Institute, Ecosystems Center/Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Harvard Forest/ Harvard University, Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, Syracuse University, and the University of New Hampshire. Efforts are underway to secure grant funding for the consortium, and Gary Lovett's research into invasive forest pests and pathogens (see article, page 1) is among the first of four projects to launch the initiative. GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS Recently, the Cary Institute hosted two graduate courses. During January, 25 students from 20 universities across the nation as well as from Canada and Chile participated in another successful Fundamentals of Ecosystem Ecology (FEE) course. Having been offered at regular intervals since 1984, this year's FEE course was led by Jonathan Cole, who enlisted 18 other Cary staff members to help conduct classes covering topics such as different approaches and theories of ecosystems as well as biogeochemical and nutrient cycles. In April, Charles Canham conducted a one-week intensive workshop on likelihood methods in ecology—an approach that offers an alternative to traditional statistical analysis that helps scientists link data and models when designing experiments or interpreting results. Geared toward graduate students, post-docs, and practicing scientists, the course was completed by 18 students from 13 different institutions, including several from Canada, Spain, and Australia, (photograph below) THE NEWSLETTER IS AVAILABLE ONLINE The Cary Institute's newsletter is available on our website at www.caryinstitute.org/ newsletter.html. If you would prefer to read the newsletter online instead of receiving a printed copy by mail please notify us at freemanp@caryinstitute.org. Pamela A. Freeman VOL 6, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 5 WHERE WE WORK HUDSON RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OBSERVING SYSTEM (HRECOS) GROWS by Sian M. Hunter Since 2008, the data from real-time monitoring stations operated by the Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System (HRECOS) have helped scientists answer basic questions about river processes and enhanced waterway management decisions. With the addition of a new station this summer, HRECOS will not only expand but also gain important new capacities. In June, the HRECOS pump station at the Marist College waterfront is slated to become fully operational. "As with the other stations, this site will have a complete set of sensors to record what is going by. But at Marist, we will also collect water samples," notes aquatic ecologist Stuart Findlay, who is helping to lead the effort. "Should an interesting event occur, we can turn on the sampling system remotely at any time of day or night. And given the location of the station—about 300 yards downstream of Poughkeepsie's drinking-water intake— the public will directly benefit." The HRECOS sensors take measurements such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and water elevation. Capturing water samples will allow analyses of contaminants such as PCBs and pharmaceuticals as well as potentially harmful bacteria. "It is rare to have a continuous record of conditions in a water body coupled with the ability to collect water samples at critical times. Most environmental monitoring occurs during daylight and good weather despite the fact that storm events and accidents can happen at any time. This additional capacity will significantly increase our knowledge about what's going on in the Hudson River," comments Findlay. FIELD NOTES SOUNDSCAPES Springtime promises green fields and woodlands as well as the bright colors and scents of flowers. But try awakening another sense this May. Each year millions of migrant songbirds return to the Northeast, and the way we first notice them is a change in the soundscape. For example, on spring evenings, the male American woodcock puts on its breeding display in the lowlands surrounding Wappinger Creek. This plump, pigeon-sized bird is best located by the loud "peent" call it produces on the ground. After a series of these calls, you might catch the male's dark shadow climbing skyward with a twittering sound produced by its wing beats. After reaching a height of 100 meters or more, the woodcock then spirals back to the ground, interspersing vocalizations with the twittering wing beats. This display is for the female, as are many of the songs you'll hear this spring. Birds produce a dazzling range of vocalizations, from chickadees' simple "hey sweetie" and blue jays' alarm scold to the haunting songs of veeries and other thrushes, the vocal acrobats of the bird world. In addition to creating a soundscape, which is as true to spring as are the flowers, the ecology of birds is intimately tied to the sounds of other organisms around them. The science of soundscapes is studied at the Cary Institute by Visiting Scientist Ken Schmidt. For more information on soundscapes, visit the kiosk in the lowlands when you're spotting woodcocks this spring. CARY INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES SUPPORTERS' CORNER CARY'S ALDO LEOPOLD SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP The Cary Institute's Aldo Leopold Society provides vital operating support for many key research and education programs. Without this core group of contributors, many programs, such as our free Friday night public lectures, would not be possible. Donations cover costs not met by grants and endowment, allowing the Cary Institute to launch timely programs, make vital capital improvements, maintain hiking trails, offer public programs and family activities, and attract and retain staff. For the Aldo Leopold Society, the Institute has created 7 levels of annual giving: President's Circle at $25,000; Director at $10,000; Benefactor at $5,000; Leader at $2,500; Patron at $1,000; Ambassador at $750; and Member at $500. In addition to supporting the work of the Institute, Aldo Leopold Society members receive invitations to special events and unique opportunities to interact with scientists and educators. If you would like more information about the Society, please contact Olivia van Melle Kamp, Director of Development, via phone (845) 677-7600 x 120 or e-mail development® caryinstitute.org. Francis Moore Lappe engages a full house at a Cary Institute public program. ALDO LEOPOLD AMERICA'S PIONEERING CONSERVATIONIST Widely credited with launching wildlife conservation in the United States, Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) was a forester, writer, philosopher, and educator. A graduate of the Yale School of Forestry, Leopold began his professional career with the United States Forest Service, where he championed the principle of grounding land-management decisions in sound scientific information. Leopold wrote many articles, essays, and books in his lifetime, but his greatest work was A Sand County Almanac (1949). This volume presents his ideas behind the "land ethic," which he described as a new relationship between humans and the natural world that would recognize soils, waters, plants, and animals as full participants in an ecological community with people. Leopold operated at both local and national scales, whether attempting to restore the native flora and fauna on his own Wisconsin farm or working with public and private entities to set aside the first of many designated national wilderness areas. The ideas, principles, questions, and concerns he raised continue to challenge and influence conservationists and individuals committed to responsible land management. At Cary Institute, we strive to enact many of the principles that Aldo Leopold so presciently put forward and to encourage the application of rigorous science to decisions that affect humans and the natural world on which humanity depends. Aldo Leopold Foundation Lori M. Quillen VOL 6, ISSUE 2, MAY 2012 CALENDAR Upcoming Public Programs Our public programs are an excellent way to expand your ecological understanding while learning about issues facing the environment. Lectures are held in our auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Tpk. ; (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, NY. Registration is required for outdoor events. Call (845) 677-7600 x 121 or e-mail freemanp@ caryinstitute.org. Friday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m. The Conundrum: How Good Intentions Hurt the Environment David Owen, a staff writer for the New Yorker, will talk about his new book The Conundrum: How Scientific Innovation, Increased Efficiency, and Good Intentions Con Make Our Energy and Climate Problems Worse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at 1 0:00 a.m. Butterfly Exploration Learn about butterfly and skipper habitat while strolling through our fields and trails. This family- friendly walk will begin at Cary East (Carriage House), 2917 Sharon Tpk., (Rte. 44)Millbrook, NY. Space is limited. Register online at http:// carybutterflywalk.eventbrite.com. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water. Friday, July 1 3 at 7:00 p.m. Sharks: A Love Story Jupp Kerckerinck, conservationist and President of the Shark Research Institute, will give a multimedia presentation about the dramatic decline of sharks and the role they play in the ocean ecosystem. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 20 at 4:30 p.m. Wappinger Creek Celebration Walk Join educators for an interpretive walk along the Wappinger Creek Trail. Adults and children will participate in hands-on activities and learn how to identify creek life. Walk begins at Cary East (Gifford House), 2917 Sharon Tpk., (Rte. 44) Millbrook, NY. Register online at http:// carycreekwalk.eventbrite.com. Wear waterproof boots and bring drinking water. Friday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. Discover How Birds Can Save the World John Fitzpatrick, Director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, will present a lecture emphasizing the vital role birds play in fostering conservation of worldwide biological diversity. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Scientific Seminar Series Free and open to the public, our scientific seminars are held on Thursdays at 1 1 a.m. in the Cary Institute's auditorium. A sampling of offerings is below; a complete list is available online at www.caryinstitute.org. May 10: Global Weirding: A Preliminary Analysis of Global Climate Trends. Thomas Parris, ISciences The Scientific Seminar Series resumes in the fall of 2012. For a complete listing of upcoming events, programs, and videos of past programs visit our website at www. caryinstitute.org/events.html. Ways to Support the Cary Institute Supporters receive an Ecofocus subscription and e-mail notification of lectures and events. Aldo Leopold Society Members are a special part of the Cary Institute family. Exclusive privileges include access to invitation-only trips, lectures, receptions, and science updates. Friends of the Cary Institute Aldo Leopold Society Membership □ $50 Individual For those who want to invest in unraveling the complex and challenging environmental issues facing all of us today. □ $100 Family □ $500 Member □ $5,000 Benefactor □ $250 Contributor □ $750 Ambassador □$ 10,000 Director □ $ Other □ $1,000 Patron □ $25,000 President's Circle □ $2,500 Leader Name: E-mail: Address: Phone: Payment Type: □ Check □ visa □ Mastercard Credit Card # Exp: Make checks payable to: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Development Office Box AB Millbrook, NY 12545 Questions or comments? Please call (845) 677-7600 x203 Box AB (2801 Sharon Turnpike) Millbrook, NY 12545 Tel: (845) 677-5343 • Fax: (845) 677-5976 Visit us online at www.caryinstitute.org SUMMER ECOLOGY CAMP Limno-explorers: discovering the World of Water Nine Weekly Sessions The 2012 Summer Ecology Camp will begin June 25th and run through August 31st. Campers will conduct scientific investigations, learn about local natural history, and participate in team-building activities. This year campers will be introduced to the complexities of the water cycle and the concept of watersheds while becoming familiar with the plants and animals that make aquatic ecosystems their home. Register online at www.caryinstitute.org/ ed_eco_camps.html, or call (845) 677-5343. Weekly sessions are limited to a maximum of 12 campers. SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS SUMMER WORKSHOPS FOR K-6 AND 7-12 GRADE TEACHERS Join the Cary Institute's science and education staff for a hands-on, inquiry- based workshop that will help infuse your classroom lessons with cutting- edge ecology. Topics to be explored include backyard biodiversity and the dynamic Hudson River. For more information or to register visit our website at www.caryinstitute. org/teachersummer.html, email Mira Gentry at gentrym@caryinstitute.org, or call (845) 677-7600 x 145. Professional credits may be available. SCIENTIFIC INQUIRE w