The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
John M. Pearce, Ph.D.
I am the Program Manager for marine and terrestrial ecosystems research at the USGS Alaska Science Center. I also coordinate the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative and provide outreach to the public about our research. I have been a research biologist in Alaska for 25 plus years studying migratory birds, avian disease, and population genetics.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 41
Goose Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...
Waterfowl Research
Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
Community Outreach and Engagement
It is critically important that Indigenous peoples, rural communities, and Alaska co-management councils are kept informed of USGS research activities and findings. Involvement of and collaboration with these stakeholders provides valuable perspectives. This page offers information on how USGS communicates and seeks out important perspectives from stakeholders.
Eelgrass
Eelgrass is the predominant aquatic plant within embayments of southwestern Alaska and provides an important habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates. The USGS has conducted extensive research on the status, trends, and use of eelgrass by migratory birds in southwestern Alaska primarily at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
USGS Alaska Q&A Series
USGS scientists and collaborators talk about their work in Alaska through a series of Questions and Answers (Q&As). The links below contain interviews, photos, and other information about the work and collaborations of the USGS Alaska Science Center.
Q&A: USGS and USFWS Focus on Co-Production
In 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USGS teamed up to support the use of co-production in the design, implementation, and use of research and collective learning in projects being developed by staff and collaborators.
Outer Continental Shelf Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management staff address priority research needs identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Science Support Program and Quick Response Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff address priority research needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Pacific Marine Heatwave
The USGS conducts research on marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem processes to provide science to inform our partners as they make decisions relative to species status, resource use, and human activities. These studies examine impacts of severe heatwaves on marine ecosystems of the North Pacific.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
The USGS conducts research on trust Department of Interior migratory bird and mammal species and their habitats to inform agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in their natural resource management decisions.
Q&A: USGS and 2024 the Anchorage Bike to Work Day
For the May 17, 2024, Anchorage Bike to Work Day , the USGS Alaska Science Center will again host a station along the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail where people can learn about the USGS streamgage on the creek and about the common birds of Chanshtnu. Chester Creek or Chanshtnu, which means ‘grass creek’ in the Dena’ina language, runs for about 20 miles from the Chugach mountains in the...
Filter Total Items: 28
USGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Research Program
The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
Chester Creek streamgage
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
USGS booth at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium
Goose camera class activity introduction - PDF
Goose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction - PPT
Goose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity – Group 5 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity – Group 6 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity – Group 4 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Group 2 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Group 1 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 26 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 19 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 11 photos
Goose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet - PDF
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet - Word
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Field Technician on rocky outcrop
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Field Technician
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown hiking up Bird Ridge
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown in forest on Bird Ridge
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Keychain in Inupiaq for USGS outreach activities about bird banding
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 41
Goose Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...
Waterfowl Research
Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
Community Outreach and Engagement
It is critically important that Indigenous peoples, rural communities, and Alaska co-management councils are kept informed of USGS research activities and findings. Involvement of and collaboration with these stakeholders provides valuable perspectives. This page offers information on how USGS communicates and seeks out important perspectives from stakeholders.
Eelgrass
Eelgrass is the predominant aquatic plant within embayments of southwestern Alaska and provides an important habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates. The USGS has conducted extensive research on the status, trends, and use of eelgrass by migratory birds in southwestern Alaska primarily at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
USGS Alaska Q&A Series
USGS scientists and collaborators talk about their work in Alaska through a series of Questions and Answers (Q&As). The links below contain interviews, photos, and other information about the work and collaborations of the USGS Alaska Science Center.
Q&A: USGS and USFWS Focus on Co-Production
In 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USGS teamed up to support the use of co-production in the design, implementation, and use of research and collective learning in projects being developed by staff and collaborators.
Outer Continental Shelf Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management staff address priority research needs identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Science Support Program and Quick Response Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff address priority research needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.
Pacific Marine Heatwave
The USGS conducts research on marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem processes to provide science to inform our partners as they make decisions relative to species status, resource use, and human activities. These studies examine impacts of severe heatwaves on marine ecosystems of the North Pacific.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
The USGS conducts research on trust Department of Interior migratory bird and mammal species and their habitats to inform agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in their natural resource management decisions.
Q&A: USGS and 2024 the Anchorage Bike to Work Day
For the May 17, 2024, Anchorage Bike to Work Day , the USGS Alaska Science Center will again host a station along the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail where people can learn about the USGS streamgage on the creek and about the common birds of Chanshtnu. Chester Creek or Chanshtnu, which means ‘grass creek’ in the Dena’ina language, runs for about 20 miles from the Chugach mountains in the...
Filter Total Items: 28
USGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Research Program
The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
Chester Creek streamgage
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
USGS booth at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium
Goose camera class activity introduction - PDF
Goose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction - PPT
Goose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity – Group 5 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity – Group 6 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity – Group 4 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Group 2 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Group 1 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 26 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 19 photos
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 11 photos
Goose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet - PDF
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet - Word
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Field Technician on rocky outcrop
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Field Technician
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown hiking up Bird Ridge
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown in forest on Bird Ridge
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Keychain in Inupiaq for USGS outreach activities about bird banding
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.