Organization of Biological Field Stations

One of the most important functions of the OBFS is providing networking capacity among about 200 field stations and 40 individual members throughout the world. The professional field station network is maintained with a new website that contains information as simple as a map with the locations of member field stations, to examples of field station policies, to information of special events, funding opportunities, and jobs postings. A complete revision of the website was started in 2022 as part of the new strategic plan of the organization, with the goals of making a website that is more user friendly and useful to members ($32,894). Annual meetings are a second way that OBFS maintains a professional network. In 2023 the OBFS annual meeting was held at La Selva, Costa Rica. Participants attended workshops on timely topics and heard a variety of speakers. Travel assistance was given to a small number (13) of Board members without institutional support and early and middle career travel awards so members can attend the annual meeting ($16,457).

The OBFS continues to be a member of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) ($5,425), a confederation of smaller scientific organizations that provides educational, professional, and public policy opportunities for the group. Education of decision makers about the critical role of field stations for experiential learning, the blending of art and natural history, and in scientific research is another program service accomplishment of OBFS. This year OBFS contributed to Congressional Visits Day, a program sponsored by the American Institute of Biological Sciences. This program allows members to meet with their Congressional state delegation to inform them of the role of field stations in scientific research, conservation, and the education of a new generation of scientists. OBFS also paid the registration fees for 3 members to attend these programs ($8,632).

As part of its strategic plan, OBFS worked to increase equity and inclusion activities and representation. This year members of OBFS tabled and participated in the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science meeting in Portland, Oregon ($7,853). OBFS also made a concerted effort to increase its international presence and membership by establishing an International Matching Program. This program brings two or more stations together to deepen networking opportunities throughout our international community or jump start multi-year research projects or collaborations across our diverse lands and expertise. (Resources spent in 2023 = $5,055). New technology enables relationships between field stations regardless of distance, but the Station Exchange program provides mini travel awards for field station staff to visit other field stations in the OBFS network for shadowing, cross-training, and mentoring opportunities as a way to connect with peers (Resources spent in 2023 = $2,050). Finally, OBFS established a mini-grants program to support small research or infrastructure projects at field stations (Resources spent in 2023 = $3,600).

The OBFS membership was surveyed about the organization and membership expectations and future directions of the organization. That survey was completed in 2022, with a final payment to the contractor made in May, 2023 ($3,250).