Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station
​Ecosystems of the Northeastern US are unique in their ecological history and the current challenges they face in a changing world. Join us for a symposium highlighting research at the forefront of understanding the structure and function of these ecosystems.
The Northeastern Ecology Conference is open to faculty, researchers, and students to present recent research, on-going research, or proposed research, discuss topics related to local  research, and to meet with others who share common research interest. We welcome oral and poster presentations by researchers at all career stages. Presentations by undergraduate students are encouraged. On-site lodging is available but limited. There are reduced registration and lodging rates for Lacawac Consortium members.

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: 
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). Unless otherwise requested, all lodging facilities are shared rooms and restrooms. Linens and towels are provided for overnight guests. 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). To book a room, please contact the hotel directly. 

Registration Fees:
Includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday

Non-consortium Institutions:
Faculty/post-docs: $75
Students: $40
Non-academic professionals: $65

Consortium Institutions:
Faculty/post docs: $65
Students: $35

​PiER Students and Teachers are welcome at no charge

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Keynote Speaker 2019
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Dr. Charles Canham
​Senior Scientist
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

"Forests Adrift: Currents shaping the future of northeastern tree species"



Drawing on 40 years of research, Dr. Canham will discuss how both natural processes and myriad human impacts will determine the future of northeastern forests.  This includes legacies that date back through centuries of past human activities, as well as the usual suspects of overabundant deer, air pollution, invasive species, forest pests and pathogens, and climate change.  Although there is lots to worry about, Dr. Canham remains optimistic that the forests will remain afloat…
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Past Keynote Speakers:​
  • 2016 - Dr. Robyn Smyth of Bard College. Understanding and managing lake dynamics in the face of global climate change. ​
  • 2015 - Dr. Olaf Jensen of Rutgers University. Diel vertical migration across contexts: fear, food, or fitness?
  • 2014 – Dr. Shannon LaDeau of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. The ecology of emerging infectious disease and the urbanization of sylvatic disease systems.
  • 2013 – Dr. Lynn Christenson of Vassar College. Cascading effects of climate change on forest ecosystems: Biogeochemical links between moose and trees.
  • 2012 – Dr. Jon Cole of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Are zebra mussels made of trees: Terrestrial support of the Hudson River food web.


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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