About Us

The Inclusive Ecology section was established in the summer of 2016 in order to provide resources and support for all ecologists, regardless of physical/mental ability, gender identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, nationality, family status, politics, religion, level of education, or age. During its establishment, concerns were raised that the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and its sections already strive to be inclusive, and that there are already several programs in place to address issues of diversity. Emerging patterns in our national socio-political climate have rendered establishment of this section especially timely. In the spirit of our mission, we are coordinating efforts to engage people from myriad perspectives in collegial conversation with a common goal of advancing ecological science.

Mission: To provide resources and support for all ecologists, regardless of race, sex, physical or mental ability or difference, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture or subculture, national origin, marital status, parental status, politics, religion, level of education, or age.

The scope of what we are currently doing:

• Workshop series to promote proper language when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Seminar series  to listen and learn from diverse communities about being “different” in Ecology and related fields.
• Promote and maintain initiatives during the ESA meetings that promote diversity and inclusion, such as gender-neutral restrooms and, ally ribbon.
• Collaborate with other sections to promote diversity and inclusion.

Current leadership (2019-2020):

Chair: Sam Davis (sam at dogwoodalliance.org)
Incoming Chair: Allyson Salisbury
Outgoing Chair: Aramati Casper (aramaticasper at gmail.com)