Vision Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Grounded in the understanding that biodiversity is essential to Earth’s ecosystems, we embrace the human and ecological complexity that enriches our lives and promotes resilience in our world. We strive to grow a welcoming community with diverse lived experiences and a culture of listening in our research center.

We recognize that the discipline of ecology has not been historically inclusive, so we aim to address and eliminate bias in our work and our workplaces. Moreover, we acknowledge that our work to better understand our environment occurs in regions with a history of oppression, land dispossession and ecological imperialism.

Through our research, teaching and outreach, we aspire to foster human appreciation for and connection to nature, which we believe instills a sense of wonder and belonging.