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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 healthy 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

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News

EESC in the News: Sturgeon Genetics

EESC in the News: Sturgeon Genetics

EESC in the News: Flow Photo Explorer

EESC in the News: Flow Photo Explorer

New Research Shows a Troubling Trend for Chesapeake Bay Osprey

New Research Shows a Troubling Trend for Chesapeake Bay Osprey

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Publications

Ecological transformations of coastal wetlands of the conterminous United States in response to contemporaneous sea-level rise Ecological transformations of coastal wetlands of the conterminous United States in response to contemporaneous sea-level rise

Coastal wetlands are among the most important ecosystems on the planet but are increasingly imperiled by accelerating sea-level rise (SLR). In the past, biogeomorphic feedbacks have allowed coastal wetlands to adjust vertically and persist through periods of accelerated SLR. Recent rates of SLR are faster than any in recent geologic history, making the fate of coastal wetlands highly...
Authors
Justine Annaliese Neville, Katya E. Kovalenko, Gregg A. Snedden, Michael J. Osland, Karen M. Thorne, Laura C. Feher, Michelle C. Moorman, Jena A. Moon, Ken W. Krauss, James B. Grace, Tiffany C. Lane, Colt R. Sanspree, Donald R. Cahoon, Glenn R. Guntenspergen
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Long-term predictive modeling of stream condition suggests wide-spread changes within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA Long-term predictive modeling of stream condition suggests wide-spread changes within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA

Stream ecosystems worldwide face ongoing degradation, underscoring the urgent need for conservation and restoration. Regional analyses of stream condition have been limited by sparse spatial and temporal data, particularly at long time scales. To address this gap, we used observed data to predict annual biological condition for 360,893 small, nontidal stream reaches in the Chesapeake Bay...
Authors
Kelly O. Maloney, Benjamin P. Gressler, Lindsey J. Boyle, Alexander H. Kiser
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Global change and threats to waterbirds in the Asian flyways Global change and threats to waterbirds in the Asian flyways

Avian migration represents one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, providing critical ecological services and acting as an indicator of environmental change. Flyways are geographical ranges through which migrating bird species move, and the flyway concept has been used to identify countries that share species to highlight their collective responsibility for conservation. Of the nine...
Authors
John Y. Takekawa, Diann J. Prosser, Shenglai Yin, Nyambayar Batbayar, Suresh Kumar, Zhijun Ma
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Science

Figure 1. The American kestrel, Falco sparverius

Modernized Breeding Bird Survey Portal

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Portal is a modern information system that enables volunteer observers and regional coordinators to manage survey routes, enter field data, and coordinate route assignments online. The portal replaces legacy paper-based and outdated digital workflows with a streamlined interface built for the BBS community. Observers can view their assigned routes...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center
Modernized Breeding Bird Survey Portal

Modernized Breeding Bird Survey Portal

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Portal is a modern information system that enables volunteer observers and regional coordinators to manage survey routes, enter field data, and coordinate route assignments online. The portal replaces legacy paper-based and outdated digital workflows with a streamlined interface built for the BBS community. Observers can view their assigned routes...
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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
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