AAAS SCS Case Statement FINAL Electronic
- 1. SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP Science for Americas National Parks American Association for the Advancement of Science National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
- 2. 100The number of years our National Park System and Service have been in existence preserving and protecting resources for current and future generations. 300 millionAnnual visits each year to Americas national parksmore than attendance at Major League Baseball, National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer games combined! The potential to engage visitors to make science real and exciting is boundless. 350,000The number of teachers and students who use AAAS Science NetLinks each month and will have access to Second Century Stewardship lesson plans and resources inspired by our national parks 4Core strategies on which the success of Second Century Stewardship rests. Advancing conservation science, leveraging park science to advance education, advancing science communication, and convening thought leaders to enhance stewardship policy. $10millionOur initial fundraising goal to ensure the success and sustainability of Second Century Stewardship. Working together, we will meet this challenge!
- 3. 1 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune. Theodore Roosevelt At the dawn of the second century for Americas national parks, we are called upon to take note of the state of our parks, our humanity, our health, our planet, and our societyto look in new places and in new ways for the solutions to critical and pressing questions. Today, the opportunity exists to more powerfully engage science for the benefit of the parks and society. SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks 1
- 4. 2 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks Second Century Stewardship brings together world-class leadership in a first-of-its- kind collaboration between the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, National Park Service, and other institutions, to: Advance conservation science and inform steward- ship of natural and cultural resources by expanding scientific research programs in parks. Leverage park science to enhance education in the classroom and beyond. Strengthen public understanding of the value of parks for science and science for parks and society through science communication. Convene thought leaders and facilitate dialogue about critical issues for our parks and our planet to enhance stewardship policy. Why now? New knowledge is needed to respond to urgent challenges that face our planet. Our parks are under threat, suffering from the ravages of rapid environ- mental changes, invasive species, landscape frag- mentation, deferred maintenance, heavy use, and other pressures. The issues that threaten our parks also threaten our natural systems and our society more broadly. Effective solutions must be based in science. Most kids today have never experienced a national park, creating a gap between these national treasures and the generation that will one day be called upon to protect them. At the same time, appreciation for and understanding of science and math in this country are eroding at an alarming pace. Among 27 industrialized nations, American students lag behind, ranking 25th in math and 17th in science. Indeed, studies show that American students math and science skills decline as they get older in comparison with students around the world. Second Century Stewardship will tackle these chal- lenges in an unprecedented way, bringing together four core strategies through a pilot effort in Acadia National Park, expanding those strategies into a road map for other parks across the country, and sharing important lessons learned for the benefit of all.
- 5. 3 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks Four Core Strategies Advancing Conservation Science At a time of unprecedented changes in our environ- ment, conservation science can answer questions about how best to protect and preserve our fragile world both within and beyond the confines of the national parks. These are the answers that will inform how we achieve a prolonged, healthy rela- tionship between our human communities and the environment. Second Century Stewardship Research Fellowships will recruit and attract talented young scientists to parks. They will provide information to support stew- ardship of park resources, focusing on parks tar- geted research needs to inform park management decisions, and advance science to improve conser- vation efforts. During the pilot in Acadia National Park, research topics might include: Using modern DNA analysis techniques to gain a more complete understanding of the diversity of life within Acadia, helping park officials respond effectively to environmental change. Addressing priority research needs about urgent threats to intertidal and seashore habitats. Understanding forest health and responses to disturbances from climate change and invasive species. Fellows research will inform resource management across a broad landscape, and will be strategically connected to Second Century Stewardship initia- tives to enhance education, strengthen science communication, and enhance stewardship policy. Leveraging Park Science to Enhance Education A strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math is important not only for tomorrows researchers and engineers, but also for everyone else. In a world where daily routines are driven by technology and shaped by the innovative application of science, engineering, and math, all people should have at least a fundamental under- standing of science as a process and way of thinking. We must not fail to cultivate the next generation of park stewards if we are to sustain their health and access for our grandchildren, and their children. David E. Shaw AAAS Board of Directors Second Century Stewardship will actively recruit K-12 science teachers as Ambassadors to join and contribute to a professional learning community. They will participate in the development of resources to bring park-based science activities to students outdoors and in the classroom. Educators will take part in workshops and professional learning opportunities, connect real-world research to classroom instruction, and forge strong connections with their peers nationally and statewide, as well as with Research Fellows. Standards-aligned lesson plans and resources will be disseminated through AAAS Science NetLinks (which offers science content to more than 350,000 teachers and students each month) and other channels, reaching classrooms across the country and around the world. Second Century Stewardship education programs developed in Acadia will create an exemplary approach for replication nationwide. PHOTO:RHONDAWANSER SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks 3
- 6. 4 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks What I love about the Second Century Stewardship is that communication is an essential ingredient... What a great idea to combine the beauty of the park with the beauty of science. Alan Alda Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Advancing Science Communication Around the globe, we are facing some of the greatest challenges in history access to food and water, energy security, antibiotic resistance, and a rapidly changing climate. Science and engineering will be critical to solving these vexing problems as will recognition of the value and importance of functioning natural systems. Yet the nations commitment to science research and education is not keep- ing pace with the demand for science-based solutions. Unless we can make our case for science, the United States could lose its power of innovation, and our legacy of success. At a time like this, science literacy and appreciation are critical. Second Century Stewardship will strengthen and broaden public understanding of the value of science, enhancing public appreciation for the scientific process and its vital role in informing management and stewardship of the parks they love. Through direct engagement, they will also learn the incred- ible value of parks as natural laboratories. One key element to making this dialogue effective is empowering our scientists to share their knowledge and passion for science with park managers, park interpreters, educators, and the public. Second Century Stewardship will give researchers the skills, tools, and assistance they need to engage confidently and effectively with the media and public audiences. Research Fellows will take audiences with them on their journey of explora- tion, so that the public experiences their sense of wonder and discovery and sees our national parks as far more than just outdoor playgrounds. Convening Leaders to Enhance Stewardship Policy Second Century Stewardships work in the parks is a critical starting point to advance conservation science, develop new models and materials to engage students in STEM learning, and get audiences young and old excited about science and the role they can play in protecting our parks and our planet. Building on the strengths of the partners, Second Century Stewardship will convene leading thinkers within and beyond the park setting to pursue solutions for critical issues for our parks and our society, nationally and globally, to foster strong stewardship policy. Briefings for legislators on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., will bring learning from the work of Research Fellows, and insights from education and public engagement programs, to policymakers.
- 7. 5 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks 5 What Success Looks Like Although there will be myriad measurable impacts across each of the four core strategies, success of the program will be measured in targeted ways, including: The number and quality of Research Fellowships producing meaningful science. The impact of programs on formal education the number of students and teachers engaged through Second Century Stewardship. New audiences and number of people reached through comprehensive communication and outreach efforts. The impact of research on park stewardship and conservation policy. PHOTO: RHONDA WANSER PHOTO: RHONDA WANSER
- 8. 6 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks This new effort begins at Acadia National Park and will grow to include national parks across the coun- try, advancing science and engaging with audiences of all ages not just those who visit national parks, but all Americans, each of whom has a stake in pro- tecting and preserving our nations wild places and maintaining the vital health of our air, soil, and water. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), founded in 1848, is the worlds largest multidisciplinary science society and pub- lisher of the journal Science. The nonprofit fulfills its mission to advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people through initiatives to promote communica- tion and education among scientists, engineers, and the public; spark curiosity about the world and how it works; and advance dialogue in Washington, D.C., and beyond about the importance and relevance of science and innovation. Widely recognized as the most trusted voice for science, AAAS is well- positioned to make a broad and lasting impact as the national coordinator of the Second Century Stewardship program. Acadia National Park in Maine serves as the proj- ect pilot park. It is one of the nations most visited parks within the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), which preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources of the park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future genera- tions. Acadia National Park was founded with explicit recognition of its importance and interest for science when it was first dedicated as a national monument by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Park leader- ship has shown a strong commitment to applying current research to its resource and visitor Strong Partners in Science Strong Partners in Science American Association for the Advancement of Science National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior PHOTO:DAVIDSHAW PHOTO:DAVIDSHAW
- 9. 7 SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks management decisions in a way that enhances the protection of those resources and assures the quality of visitor experiences. Park resource managers and educators play a critical role in assuring that science and science communications partnerships and pro- grams are developed and implemented in ways that assure sustainability and relevance to the public. Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Parkis a non- profit partner to the NPS that is dedicated to advanc- ing ecosystem science and learning for all ages. Based within Acadia National Park, where it manages the Schoodic Education and Research Center campus, the Institute intertwines education with research, sup- ports priority science, provides professional learning opportunities, and builds understanding and appreci- ation for the complexity of the natural world. Research led and facilitated by Schoodic Institute is address- ing questions that are important to stewardship of Acadia National Park and to our society including understanding and responding to challenges such as climate change and ocean acidification. Through innovative programs and partnerships, the Institute is a national and community catalyst and center for connecting research and learning, and an emerging leader in the field of citizen science. Power in Collaboration Separately, these organizations have long histories of making a difference. The partners strengths make Maine and Acadia National Park the ideal place to pilot a park-based science, education, and communication effort that will simultaneously uncover solutions to research questions in Acadia National Park, engage and inspire Maine students, build capacity among and provide important resources for Maines educators and produce a model for growth to achieve enduring national impact. Reaching Our Goal On June 25, 2016, David Shaw, AAAS board member and Fellow, and a trustee of the National Park Foundation, announced a $1 million gift to set in motion a vision of the next centurys legacy for Americas national parks Second Century Stewardship. To fully realize this vision and a comprehensive national science in the parks effort, we need our philanthropic community to join us. The partner organizations, leaders, and donors involved with Second Century Stewardship have set an aggressive initial goal of raising $10 million. To achieve it, we must harness our collective resources and engage as many like-minded philanthropic part- ners as possible. We hope you will consider joining us in this remarkable endeavor. For more information about Second Century Stewardship or to join our effort, please contact the AAAS Office of Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships at 202-326-6636 or email Juli Staiano, chief philanthropy officer, at jstaiano@aaas.org. You can find us on the web at www.SCSparkscience.org or follow us on Twitter at @SCSParkScience. Future generations will benefit from this historic collaboration. John Nau Vice Chair, National Park Foundation PHOTO: KRISTIRUGG,NPS SECOND CENTURY STEWARDSHIP | Science for Americas National Parks 7