NWRC Weekly Highlights 4/30/2009

Weekly Highlights

From: Courtney H Schaneville
Subject: Weekly Highlights, USGS National Wetlands Research Center, April 30, 2009

Article Published in Aquatic Botany Features NWRC Research: USGS National Wetlands Research Center scientist Beth Middleton co-authored a paper that will be published in the July 2009 edition of Aquatic Botany. The article, “Seed flotation and germination of salt marsh plants: The effects of stratification, salinity, and/or inundation regime,” will be in Volume 91, Issue 1, pages 40-46. (Beth Middleton, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8618)

USGS Scientist Speaks to the National Academy of Sciences on Climate Change: On May 8, 2009, USGS Chief Scientist for Global Change Research Virginia Burkett presented to the National Academy of Science’s Ocean Studies Board panel on “Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change.” Burkett’s presentation focused on climate change implications and adaptation strategies for the Mississippi Delta region. (Virginia Burkett, Many, La., 318-256-5628)
Students Visit NWRC: USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) contractor Courtney Schaneville hosted two school groups the week of April 27, 2009. St. Francis Elementary brought 29 fifth grade students, and Holy Savior Menard Central High School came with 25 ninth graders. Each group received a presentation on Louisiana’s wetlands and toured NWRC. They learned about spatial analysis through mapping, greenhouse experiments, and research on fish, frogs, and applesnails. (Courtney Schaneville, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8583)
NWRC Branch Chief Recognized by Loyola University: USGS National Wetlands Research Center Branch Chief Gaye Farris was featured in the Spring 2009 Issue of the Loyola University New Orleans Magazine for honors received over the past year or so. Farris was honored with the Shoemaker Award, the Gulf Guardian Award, and the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) Speech Award. A NAGC scholarship was also created in her name. (Gaye Farris, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8550)

USGS National Wetlands Research Center scientist Beth Middleton is mentioned in online news coverage following multiple talks given in Chennai, India in April 2009.
The Hindu: (April 26, 2009)
Express Buzz: (April 23, 2009)
On April 23, 2009, USGS National Wetlands Research Center Branch Chief Thomas Doyle spoke with Amy Wold of The Advocate about a local wetland enhancement project in a Baton Rouge, La., neighborhood involving a conflict between property owners. Doyle was able to provide Wold with information on wetland functions to help her understand how to proceed with public debate and reporting.

On April 22, 2009, USGS Chief Scientist for Global Change Research Virginia Burkett was interviewed on the Montel Williams National Air America Radio talk show. The interview was part of an Earth Day segment. Burkett discussed climate change, the difference in climate and weather, and trends in U.S. and global temperature and precipitation. Burkett also provided links to the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Web sites.