Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station
Have you been missing professional interactions but can’t face another Zoom conference? Join us in an opportunity to share research, collaborate, and network at a small, student-friendly, COVID-conscious symposium.

The Northeastern Ecology Conference is open to faculty, researchers, and students. Presentations of recent, on-going, or proposed research in all areas of ecology and environmental science are welcome. Presentations by undergraduate students are  encouraged!
Presentations
Oral or Poster presentations on proposed, on-going, or recent research projects in the region. The goal is to make others aware of your research and initiate potential collaboration. Please provide a title and an abstract (250 word maximum) during the registration process. 

Lodging Information: 
Due to COVID restrictions, on-site lodging is limited. Overnight lodging will be available at the historic Watres Lodge and Ice house on a first-come, first-served basis ($27/night/person or $12 Consortium member institutions). All rooms are single occupancy and guests must provide their own linens and towels. Please contact Beth Norman (beth.norman@lacawac.org) to arrange on-site lodging.
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If you prefer other accommodations, there are several local options available: the Comfort Inn Pocono Lakes Region (~12 minutes from Lacawac), the Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches and the Settlers Inn in Hawley (both ~25 minutes from Lacawac). Please contact the these hotels directly. 

Registration Fees:
Includes lunch on Saturday

Non-consortium Institutions:
Faculty/post-docs/professionals: $75
Students: $50

Consortium Institutions:
Faculty/post docs: $65
Students: $40

Saturday Dinner:
$25

​High School Students and Teachers are welcome at no charge
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COVID policies
All conference events will be held outside under a tent with social distancing. All attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except in cases of medical or religious exemption. Masking will be required in indoor spaces (e.g., restrooms). ​
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​Keynote Speaker 2021
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​Dr. Jennifer Klug
Professor of Biology
​Department of Biology, Fairfield University

Eyes on the water: the contributions of volunteers to lake science and management

Jen Klug is a professor and lake scientist in the Biology Department at Fairfield University. She earned a B.S. in Geological Sciences and a certificate in Environmental Studies from Indiana University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Zoology from University of Wisconsin. At Fairfield University, she teaches courses in ecology and environmental studies and mentors undergraduate research students. Her research interests include causes and consequences of harmful algal blooms and volunteer water quality monitoring.

Dr. Klug will present the varied ways that volunteers contribute to lake science and management through data collection, community outreach, funding and public advocacy. She will use examples from northeastern North America and discuss the importance of institutional support in promoting successful volunteer involvement.
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Past Keynote Speakers:​
  • 2019: Dr. Charles Canham, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Forests Adrift: Currents shaping the future of northeastern tree species.
  • 2016: Dr. Robyn Smyth, Bard College. Understanding and managing lake dynamics in the face of global climate change. ​
  • 2015: Dr. Olaf Jensen, Rutgers University. Diel vertical migration across contexts: fear, food, or fitness?
  • 2014: Dr. Shannon LaDeau, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. The ecology of emerging infectious disease and the urbanization of sylvatic disease systems.
  • 2013: Dr. Lynn Christenson, Vassar College. Cascading effects of climate change on forest ecosystems: Biogeochemical links between moose and trees.
  • 2012: Dr. Jon Cole, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Are zebra mussels made of trees: Terrestrial support of the Hudson River food web.​
Abstract Guidelines for Papers and Posters
Please limit abstracts to no more than 250 words. List all authors and their affiliations and indicate which author is presenting. 

Oral Presentations
  • Presentation should be a total of 15 minutes in length; allowing 12 minutes for the presentation and 3 minutes for questions
  • All talks should be loaded on the computer at the registration table no later than the break prior to the session of the presentation; Talks can be loaded at an earlier date by coordinating with the DSR.
  • A USB drive is an acceptable means for transferring talks to the desktop. Please DO NOT use other data storage devices; You WILL NOT be able to connect your individual laptop computer to the projector in the room
  • All presentations must run using MS PowerPoint software
  • The laptop and projection system are PC compatible; Please verify your stored presentation will transfer and run on an independent computer before coming to the conference

​Poster Presentations
  • Presenters must be available during the poster session
  • Posters must be no greater than 38 inches wide
  • Please do NOT display abstracts on posters
  • Hanging posters using pins or tacks will be available
  • Posters will continue to be displayed throughout the symposium providing maximum exposure