Institute For Conservation Research And Education
PROGRAMS
Ecological Field Research Program
ICRE provides high school students the opportunity to engage in real-world ecological research. Participating teachers link up their Advanced Placement (AP) classes with our program by committing to participate for a full school year. The course consists of ICRE ecologists helping the students come up with and conduct an original research project. Students participate in monthly (September through June) field research events as scheduled by the supervising teacher in collaboration with ICRE staff. Community volunteer restoration days are included in the program. At the end of the course and the school year, the students present their research at a symposium. Current projects involve students at Fairview Park (Costa Mesa, CA) as well as on their own school grounds. ICRE will work with schools to decide the best location for their students’ ecological research.
Applied ecological learning is the best way to reinforce ecological concepts and build ownership among students for their local environment. This real-world experience is very challenging and very rewarding for the students who participate. We have engaged over 1,000 high school students with nature and science. Some of these students have continued on to further STEM education or ecological jobs in the community. At the end of the school year, it is clear how much the students have learned about the natural world, how much they have developed their own skills as scientists and researchers, and how much they have developed their own confidence as individuals. All of this comes as they complete a year-long or semester project that has tangible results and will impact natural places where they live.
Rare Species Conservation Research in Orange County
We are currently managing a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) station in riparian habitat in Orange County, California. The data collected from banding birds at this station will contribute to local understanding of important bird species. This spring we are starting a natal dispersal study of Coastal California Gnatcatcher in Orange County, which will help to assess the connectivity of local habitat reserves. We have an ongoing monitoring and research program with South Western Pond Turtles in Orange County, CA and their survival and reproduction in relation to habitat enhancement and drought conditions.
The research will be used to inform species management decisions and will be disseminated in scientific publications that will advance our understanding of these local native rare species.
CONTACT
Institute For Conservation Research And Education
530 Ladera Vista Dr
Fullerton, California 92831-3520