Ecosystems

Human population growth and climate change continue to burden ecosystems and the availability of natural resources which makes conservation critical. Perhaps more importantly, conservation helps maintain the biodiversity and health of natural ecosystems.

We live on a planet filled with undiscovered ecosystems and organisms. Ecosystems contain a complex coexistence of a variety of living and nonliving elements. If an ecosystem is disrupted even slightly, the impacts can be broad and detrimental. Experts estimate that the extinction rate is now up to 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. We do not yet know what lasting impacts this will have on ecosystems and the health of the planet. Continued research on the ecosystems is therefore important to the future of the planet and all beings on it.

Research Highlights:

• Forest Conservation - This study by Tanya Hayes and Felipe Murtinho (2017-present) examines why rural communities choose to participate in payment for forest conservation programs, and how said programs impact conservation behavior, livelihoods and community governance.  Learn more about Forest Conservation
• Rare Spider Identification - This study by Dr. William J. Ehmann and three students (2016) focused on locating various rare jumping spider species. 
• CEJS Fellows
  • Eric Kennedy (Student, 2015-2016) - Aerial Image Analysis of the North Fork Stillaguamish River
  • Alex Buescher and Steven Millett (Students, 2015-2016) - Sediment Transport Analysis in the Stillaguamish River
  • Kaitlyn Hammond (Student, 2014-2015) - Quantifying River Corridor Ecosystem Services
  • Dr. Douglas Latch (Faculty, 2014-2015) - Highlighting the Role of Sunlight in Minimizing the Impacts of Aquatic Pollutants
• Faculty Experts
  • Dr. Tanya Hayes - Research on sustainable ecosystem management
  • Dr. Felipe Murtinho - Research on payment for environmental management
  • Dr. Kristin Hultgren - Research on marine ecosystems and species and trait diversity
  • Dr. Mark Jordan - Research on restoring degraded landscapes
  • Dr. Robert Rutherford - Research on systems biology
  • Dr. W. Lindsay Whitlow - Research on urban ecosystems

Local Organizations¹

• Green Seattle Partnership is a collaboration between volunteers and entities in the city of Seattle who work to restore and maintain city parks. 
• Duwamish Alive Coalition - is a community effort to protect the Duwamish River Watershed. 
• Forterra protects, enhances, and acts as a steward for our region’s most precious resources – its communities and its landscapes.  
• Earth Corps builds a global community of leaders through local environmental service.  
• Marine Conservation Institute works with scientists, politicians, government officials, and other organizations around the world to protect essential ocean places and the wild species in them. 
• Conservation Northwest works to restore and protect the natural habitats of the Pacific Northwest.

• An inspiring example of a local conservation success, the restoration of the Elwha River ecosystem.

¹ DISCLAIMER: The resources listed were compiled by CEJS as examples of local organizations working on environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. Seattle University is not affiliated with these organizations and expressly disclaims all responsibility for any content provided and all liability that may arise out of participation in any organization programs or activities.