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Yellowstone Ecological Research Center
- Long Term, Large Scale, Multi-diciplinary Research and Education -
The Yellowstone Ecological Research Center is an independent, private, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the role of science at the decision-making table.
The idea of YERC was conceived in 1993, based on a bold vision of conducting research and education in the Greater Yellowstone region with a goal of increasing the role of science at the decision-making table. To accomplish this goal, YERC's founders recognized that we can best understand the nature of ecosystems through:
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examining whole landscapes, not just small portions of them;
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studying ecosystems in extended time frames, not in two- or three-year snapshots; and
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collaborating with other researchers in multi-disciplinary teams, rather than as disconnected units.
We developed goals to act as an independent, private, non-profit organization that attracted researchers from the worlds of academia, government, and business to bridge fragmented disciplines, bureaucratic boundaries, and disparate approaches to science. We hoped to empower all ecosystem stakeholders with the facts and knowledge to make informed decisions about the sound stewardship of Yellowstone, one of the world's crown jewel ecosystems.
Today, following those goals set out over ten years ago, we are conducting 27 long-term, ecosystem-wide, interdisciplinary research and education projects. These projects provide a sound basis for wise decision-making and the effective protection of our natural heritage for future generations. We are happy to state that our accomplishments are many and our commitment to our original ideals and goals remains unshakeable.
During the last 11 years, with your support, we have raised a total of over $8 million to support our programs. We have had wide-ranging impacts on individuals, organizations, and agencies. We have also ventured out with a variety of educational ideas and programs; for example, nearly 600 individuals completed our Ecological Adventures Research Expeditions program. We have produced a plethora of publications, popular articles, and lectures and presentations. We have collaborated with 22 colleges and universities, 13 corporations, and 11 federal and state agencies.
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