Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Fish Passage Technologies

Explore our Science

Decision Science and Quantitative Methods

Explore our Science

Bird and Terrestrial Species Conservation

Explore our science

Fish and Aquatic Species Conservation

Explore our science

Pollinator Conservation

Explore our science

Fish and Wildlife Disease Investigation and Surveillance

Explore our science

Freshwater and Coastal Ecology

Explore our science

Eastern Ecological Science Center

The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) strives to provide world-class science to inform natural resource decisions that preserve and enhance our quality of life. 

The land and water we live on and around shapes our lives. We share responsibility for the heathy fish, wildlife and landscapes that are assets to current and future generations.

EESC works directly with managers of our shared natural resources to provide the unbiased scientific tools, research and innovations needed to make informed decisions in today’s complex and rapidly changing conditions.

EESC’s broad expertise spans from mountain streams to deep oceans and the lands in between, supporting stewardship of a wide range of species and habitats.

Unique facilities in Maryland, Massachusetts and West Virginia help EESC deliver the reliable, actionable science that partners need to effectively conserve our treasured natural resources.

Key Values of a Century of EESC Science

EESC Makes an Impact

A yellow and gray bird is perched on a branch with green leaves and orange berries in the background

Learn how EESC science is applied to today's biggest issues.

Read Impact Stories

Connect with Us

Woman wearing overalls and carrying a net in a flower field

Find locations, staff profiles and contact information for our team. 

Meet the EESC Team

EESC Quick Links

Follow Us on Facebook!

News

A Tale of Two Islands and the Future of an Ocean Sentinel Seabird

A Tale of Two Islands and the Future of an Ocean Sentinel Seabird

USGS Expertise Informs Design and Construction of New Eel Ladder at Maryland’s Eden Mill Dam

USGS Expertise Informs Design and Construction of New Eel Ladder at Maryland’s Eden Mill Dam

Notes From The Field: Wintering Rosy-Finches

Notes From The Field: Wintering Rosy-Finches

View All

Publications

Range-wide relative abundance of the Appalachian grizzled skipper (Pyrgus centaureae wyandot) in the Eastern United States Range-wide relative abundance of the Appalachian grizzled skipper (Pyrgus centaureae wyandot) in the Eastern United States

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper [AGS]) to be at-risk, based on its declining populations and the lack of information on its status. The objective of this study was to complete range-wide surveys to locate extant AGS colonies and to quantify the number of AGS observed at each location. From 2021–24, 284 surveys...
Authors
Nimish B. Vyas, Jennifer Selfridge, David Cuthrell, Robert Somes, Erin White, Judith Ratcliffe, J. Merrill Lynch, Laurie Hamon, Eileen Wyza, Betsy Leppo, Pete Woods, Anthony Tur, Donovan Drummey, Kathryn Nolan, Ellison Orcutt, Andrew Rapp, Leah Card, Jakob Goldner, Susan Olcott
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Analysis of alternative weir designs for improved passage of select fish at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey Analysis of alternative weir designs for improved passage of select fish at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey

As the population of New Jersey continues to remain dense, the need for water supply will likely continue to be high, which can lead to water managers needing to make difficult decisions about managing drinking-water supply. Streamgaging weirs like the ones used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) play a critical role in providing accurate and stable streamflow data, but their presence...
Authors
Thomas P. Suro, Michal J. Niemoczynski, Kevin B. Mulligan
By
New Jersey Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Regional conservation planning tool: A spreadsheet model to support spatial prioritization and resource allocation decisions Regional conservation planning tool: A spreadsheet model to support spatial prioritization and resource allocation decisions

Prioritization is a central component of natural resource management because conservation needs routinely exceed available resources. Waterfowl and wetland conservation programs in North America are at the forefront of landscape-scale prioritization and transboundary management decisions due to the migratory nature of ducks, geese, and swans. The growing availability of geographic...
Authors
Anastasia Couvillon, Gregory J. Soulliere, David H. Gordon, Diane Eggeman, Mohammed A Al-Saffar, Dale D. Humburg, James E. Lyons
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
View All

Science

A gadwall duck with GPS transmitter in flight

Avian Influenza Spread, Prevalence and Persistence

USGS researchers seek to understand the factors influencing the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses on the landscape. This research also addresses how novel strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza are impacting a larger number and diversity of host species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and other birds.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Avian Influenza Spread, Prevalence and Persistence

Avian Influenza Spread, Prevalence and Persistence

USGS researchers seek to understand the factors influencing the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses on the landscape. This research also addresses how novel strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza are impacting a larger number and diversity of host species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and other birds.
Learn More
Geese on a small pond, poultry house in background

Avian Influenza Dynamics in the Chesapeake Bay Region

USGS is investigating factors that influence the risk of avian influenza transmission from wild waterfowl to domestic poultry within the Chesapeake Bay region, a hub of poultry production for the United States.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Avian Influenza Dynamics in the Chesapeake Bay Region

Avian Influenza Dynamics in the Chesapeake Bay Region

USGS is investigating factors that influence the risk of avian influenza transmission from wild waterfowl to domestic poultry within the Chesapeake Bay region, a hub of poultry production for the United States.
Learn More
Lesser Scaup

Combining Field and Laboratory Studies to Understand Viral Ecology in Avian Species

USGS researchers are pairing field and laboratory studies to gain deeper insights into the role of Lesser Scaup ( Aythya affinis) in the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Combining Field and Laboratory Studies to Understand Viral Ecology in Avian Species

Combining Field and Laboratory Studies to Understand Viral Ecology in Avian Species

USGS researchers are pairing field and laboratory studies to gain deeper insights into the role of Lesser Scaup ( Aythya affinis) in the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses.
Learn More
View All
Was this page helpful?