MEDIA ADVISORY
For immediate release
March 7, 2007

ESA and SER meet for second time for joint international conference

Members of the media and freelance writers are invited to attend the second large-scale joint meeting between the Ecological Society of America ( ESA ) and the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) to be held August 5 -10, 2007, in San Jose , California . The theme for the meeting, “ Ecological Restoration in a Changing World ,” addresses emerging issues for ecology and restoration. Over 3,500 ecological scientists, researchers, educators, administrators, and policy-makers from around the globe are expected to attend.

The four and a half day meeting will consist of 24 symposiums, over 50 organized oral sessions, and numerous poster sessions, workshops, field trips, special sessions, and a large exhibit hall. Exhibits will feature scientific texts and new publications, with a special focus on ecological restoration.

Insights from paleoecology, long-term ecosystem studies, and ecological modeling all show ecosystems to be fundamentally dynamic, with changes that may not be easily predictable. The picture is further complicated by the persistent and increasing effects of human-influenced climate change and the long history of human land-use. New scientific insights call for more sophisticated consideration of the goals and standards for restoration, and the conservation of natural systems generally.

The meeting's Opening Plenary will feature Donald Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief of Science , the prestigious weekly international journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Alan Hastings ( University of California at Davis ), one of the world's most respected theoretical ecologists, will give the MacArthur Award lecture the following day.

New this year, the 2007 ESA /SER joint meeting will feature the first “Recent Advances” lecture. On Wednesday August 8 th , the guest lecturer, F. Stuart Chapin, III, ( University of Alaska , Fairbanks), will present a talk entitled “Multiple feedbacks link changes in climate and ecosystems.”

NEWSROOM OPERATION

Members of the press (see policy below) are exempt from registration fees and are free to attend all meeting sessions. A staffed press room, including computers, a printer, telephones, and an area for interviews, will be available.

ESA POLICY ON PRESS CREDENTIALS

We are able to waive registration for reporters with: a recognized press card or current membership in the National Association of Science Writers, the Canadian Science Writers Association, the International Science Writers Association, or the Society of Environmental Journalists. Registration is also waived for Public Information Officers who can demonstrate membership in one of the above professional organizations.

We do not waive registration for editors of peer-reviewed journals, ad sales representatives, publishers, program officers or marketing professionals.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS

Press officers may request copies of all abstracts related to their institution. ESA will distribute any relevant press releases in the Annual Meeting press room. Please contact Annie Drinkard (annie@esa.org) for more information.

REGISTRATION

To register for the Annual Meeting, please contact Annie Drinkard at annie@esa.org or call 202-833-8773 x211.