INS 17 - Using Natural History to Communicate Science, Inspire Hope, and Catalyze Action

Organizer(s)

• NG

  Nigel Golden, PhD

  Postdoctoral Researcher
  Woodwell Climate Research Center
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Co-Organizer(s)

• JR

  Jessie Rack, PhD

  Program Director
  Natural History Institute, United States
• RN

  Richard Nevle, PhD

  Stanford University, United States
• NC

  Noah Charney, PhD

  Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology
  University of Maine
  Orono, ME, United States
• SL

  Susannah Lerman, PhD

  Research Ecologist
  USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station
  Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
• LW

  Louise Weber, PhD

  Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
  University of Saint Francis
  Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

How can we translate ecology in ways that communicate the pressing urgency of the biodiversity crisis, but also kindle hope and catalyze action? We propose that natural history can be used as a tool to aid science communication. It’s important not only for its power to limit biodiversity loss through influencing decision makers and the public, but also for promoting collaboration and knowledge co-creation with public audiences and stakeholders in ways that inspire a love of nature and holistic stewardship. Even with increasing interest in science communication, ecology as a discipline offers little in the way of curricula, training, or awareness relating to the diversity of approaches through which science communication can happen. To address this gap, inspired by the meeting theme “ESA for All Ecologists”, we present practitioners, educators, and researchers whose work spans transdisciplinary and intersectoral perspectives (from academia, nonprofits, government, and the arts) to the practice of science communication informed by Natural History. These speakers offers examples of science communication approaches (via sermons, informal science communication, social media, citizen science, literature, and art) to improve science learning, make science more inclusive, foster opportunities for co-creating knowledge and community building, and evoke wonder, awe, and connection in ways that can inspire deeper engagement and action. The Natural History Section asks you to join us as we celebrate all the ways we communicate science.

Presentations:

• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  Ecological spirituality - Integrating natural history with spirituality, faith and justice
  

  Presenting Author: Leanne M. Jablonski FMI, PhD – Marianist Environmental Edu Center & Univ of Dayton HSI

  Co-author: Tara C. Poling – Marianist Environmental Education Center
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  Salamanders can make you feel something: Using natural history to engage your audience
  

  Presenting Author: Jessie Rack, PhD – Natural History Institute
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  CANCELLED - #Findthatlizard: ecology, science outreach, and supporting underrepresented groups in herpetology and natural resources
  

  Presenting Author: Earyn McGee, PhD – American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  Involving the community in urban canid research to increase knowledge and change attitudes
  

  Presenting Author: David Drake, PhD – UW-Madison/UW Extension
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  Communicating perspectives regarding natural history and the intersection of indigenous ecologies
  

  Presenting Author: Frank K. Lake, Ph.D. – USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  Natural History as a tool to foster insect conservation
  

  Presenting Author: Mariana Abarca, PhD – Smith College
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

  Discussion (until session ends)