Making agricultural ecology research information more accessible to its stakeholders and the interested public is the aim of the newly launched Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program website.
“We redesigned the site in order to better share our research, education and outreach efforts with a growing mix of stakeholders in Michigan and across the country,” said Julie Doll, KBS LTER Outreach and Education Coordinator. “The new site is designed to serve agricultural professionals, K-16 educators, and science communicators in addition to our traditional scientist base.”
The website, www.lter.kbs.msu.edu, features research highlights, publications, fact sheets, photo galleries, upcoming events and a blog featuring the latest KBS LTER news, in addition to access to KBS LTER data sets.
“More than 100 scientists currently conduct research at the KBS LTER site,” said Phil Robertson, MSU distinguished professor of plant, soil, and microbial sciences and director of KBS. “Given the agricultural and environmental challenges facing society today, it is important for us to provide effective, accessible ways to share results of this research. The new website helps to do that.”
Part of a national network of 26 long-term ecological research sites funded by the National Science Foundation, the goal of KBS LTER is to understand the ecology of major Michigan and Midwest cropping systems and landscapes. Since 1988, KBS LTER scientists have studied interactions among plants, microbes, insects, management and the environment to learn how agriculture can deliver both higher yields and environmental outcomes that benefit society. The KBS LTER site is the only one in the national network to focus on agriculture.
In addition to the new website, the KBS LTER is now sharing information via Twitter (@KBSLTER) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/KBS.LTER).
By Julie E. Doll (KBS)