SE CASC Climate Adaptation Science Field Intensive

A new cohort of NC State graduate students representing several colleges and departments began their year-long tenure as Global Change Fellows on August 1, 2019. This group of outstanding students started their time with the Southeast CASC by participating in the Southeast CASC Climate Adaptation Science Field Intensive, held August 12-17. Several graduate students from SE CASC Consortium Universities – Auburn, University of Florida, and University of Tennessee – also joined, as well as a USGS Science to Action Fellow.

Set in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the week focused on an introduction to climate adaptation concepts and included: 1) place-based learning on how climate impacts natural and cultural resources in the Great Smoky Mountains region, 2) introduction to decision analytics and how decision-making processes can be informed by science, 3) ethical engagement with Tribal Nations, and 4) principles of science communication.
USGS Research Ecologists Mitch Eaton and Adam Terando, Tribal Climate Liaison Casey Thornbrugh, University Director Derek Aday, Acting USGS Director Emily Fort, University Assistant Director Aranzazu Lascurain, and Program Manager Cari Furiness led different elements of the course. Participants engaged with resource managers from the National Park Service and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, educators from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and scientists from USFS Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory and USGS. In addition to learning about science, we heard stories from local storytellers from the region and from the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and enjoyed regional mountain music. It was a great opportunity to work and learn together while enjoying the natural and cultural heritage of the area.