Environmental Sciences & Ecology

A branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of humans and their environment.

Sub-headings:

Forestry

The management, propagation, use, and conservation of forests for human benefit.

Resources in this category:

Academy of Natural Sciences
http://www.acnatsci.org/

"The Academy of Natural Sciences, an international museum of natural history operating since 1812, undertakes research and public education that focus on the environment and its diverse species. Our mission is to expand knowledge of nature through discovery and to inspire stewardship of the environment." The site provides information on the Academy's many educational programs for families and schools, access to the Academy library catalog and descriptions of the Academy's museum exhibits. The site does contain a search engine.

Air and Waste Management Association
http://www.awma.org/

The AWMA would like to "be the premier international environmental organization promoting global environmental responsibility... to assist in the professional development and critical environmental decision making of our members to benefit society... to enhance environmental knowledge and provide quality information on which to base environmental decisions." This site provides links to information regarding membership, publications, chapters, meetings, employment, outreach, related sites and education.

Alliance for Healthy Homes
http://www.afhh.org/

"The Alliance for Healthy Homes was founded in 1990 as the Alliance To End Childhood Lead Poisoning. The Alliance for Healthy Homes works to protect children from lead and other home environmental health hazards. A national, non-profit public interest organization, the Alliance advocates for policy solutions and builds the capacity of communities to prevent in-home hazards from harming the health of children, their families, and all residents."

American Cetacean Society
http://www.acsonline.org/

"ACS works to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research." Wesite contains information about the society, its activities and publications, and cetacean fact sheets.

American Federation of Aviculture
http://www.afabirds.org/

"The AFA is dedicated to the promotion of aviculture and the conservation of Avian Wildlife through the encouragement of captive breeding programs, scientific research and the education of the general public. To promote the interests of aviculture , the AFA works to educate legislators within the U.S.A."

American Water Works Association
http://www.awwa.org/

"The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an international nonprofit scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply. Founded in 1881, AWWA is the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world." This site provides information about the AWWA organization, regulatory developments and technical issues affecting the water industry. It also includes information about AWWA conferences and seminars and AWWA standards, products and services. Links to other environmental and state and local government organizations and water utilities around the world are provided.

The Association for the Study of Literature and Environment
http://www.asle.org/

"The Association for the Study of Literature and Environment (ASLE, pronounced "az-lee") was founded in October 1992 to promote the exchange of ideas and information pertaining to literature that considers the relationship between human beings and the natural world. Although this literature genre is sometomes called 'nature-writing', the name of the organization is meant to be as inclusive as possible, encompassing not only literary non-fiction but also nature poetry, environmental fiction and other forms of literature that illumnate both human and non-human nature. ASLE encourages and seeks to facilitate new nature writing, traditional and innovative scholarly approaches to environmental literature, and interdisciplinary environmental research, including discussion between literary scholars and environmental economists, historiuans, journalists, philosophers, psychologusts, art histrians, natural scientits, and scholars in other disciplinbes."

Automotive Recyclers Association
http://www.autorecyc.org/

"Since 1943, the ARA has represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts, and the safe disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA services approximately 2,000 member companies through direct membership and 3,500 other companies through 54 Affiliate Chapters worldwide. ARA is the only trade association serving the automotive recycling industry in 18 countries internationally. " The ARA site has information about the organization, a calendar of events, a bookstore, news releases, as well as information about certification, foundations, and the government affairs program. Other parts of the site are available to members only.

The Biodiversity Support Program
http://www.worldwildlife.org/bsp/

The Biodiversity Support Program's mission was promotion of conservation worldwide. This website compiles descriptions of conservation programs carried out all over the globe and provides a search engine to access BSP publications.

Canadian Coastal Science and Engineering Association
http://www.ec.gc.ca/inre-nwri/

"A federally chartered non-profit corporation created in 1991 to carry on the work of the former Associate Committee on Shorelines of the National Research Council." The web site has information about: goals, board of directors, membership application, proceedings of the 1997 Canadian Coastal Conference - Abstracts, Coastal Zone Canada Conference, etc.

Center for Land Use Interpretation
http://www.clui.org/

"The Center for Land Use Interpretation is a research organization involved in exploring, examining, and understanding land and landscape issues. The Center employs a variety of methods to pursue its stated aim, engaging in research, classification, extrapolation, and exhibition." Includes a searchable Land Use Database, publications list, and descriptions of upcoming projects.

Center for the Built Environment
http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/

"The Center for the Built Environment (CBE) was established in May 1997 at the University of California, Berkeley to provide timely, unbiased information on promising new building technologies and design techniques." Excellent links to environmentally-friendly, sustainable design resources. This site also provides full-text research reports and publications on new building tehcnologies, green architecture, and economical design.

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
http://www.cast-science.org/

"The mission of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is to identify food and fiber, environmental, and other agricultural issues and to interpret related scientific research information for legislators, regulators, and the media for use in public policy decision making." The CAST site has news, information about the organization, a list of publications, and links to related resources.

Earth Society Foundation
http://www.earthsocietyfoundation.org/

The Earth Society Foundation was formed to foster celebration of Earth Day by Margaret Mead and John McConnell, founder of Earth Day. The organization provides information about McConnell, Earth Day, and links to other groups promoting environmental awareness.

EcoDesign Resource Society
http://www.vcn.bc.ca/edrs/

"EcoDesign members are people who wish to affect change; to create healthier, more sustainable environments. We are concerned citizens, homeowners, architects, landscape architects, designers, engineers, specifiers, planners, developers, builders, manufacturers, educators and students. Objectives: to promote awareness of the health & environmental implications of current design, planning and development practices, to assimilate and provide information on alternative, ecologically sensitive approaches to designing, planning and developing our buildings & communities, to encourage demand for healthy & environmentally sensitive building products & practices, to facilitate dialogue on design, planning and development issues related to health & the environment." This site provides access to information regarding safe ecological practitioners and organizations, building projects, a library, journals, product overviews, case studies, and research search services.

The Environmental Council of the States
http://www.sso.org/ecos/

"The national association of state and territorial environmental commissioners which works closely with the EPA to emphasize the rights of the States in environmental issues." Site includes news, state innovations, transcipts of congressional testimony, and ECOS resolutions and policy statements.

The Environmental Defense Fund
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/home.cfm

"The Environmental Defense Fund is a not-for-profit environmental advocacy group with four main goals: (1) Stabilizing the Earth's climate, (2) Safeguarding the world's oceans, (3) Protecting human health, and (4) Defending and restoring biodiversity." This site includes news updates, information for kids, subscription information to a free newsletter, and an archive of EDF publications going back to the 1970's.

Environmental Industry Interactive
http://www.envasns.org/

"The Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) is developing an Internet and World Wide Web presence that will specifically address concerns, needs and objectives of environmental industry companies." They have information on waste age publications, educational programs, insurance and safety, and legislative affairs.

European Environment Agency
http://www.eea.dk/

"Through the provision of timely, targeted, relevant and reliable information to policy making agents and the public, the EEA aims to help achieve significant and measurable improvement in Europe's environment" This searchable site provides agency information, news, and projects; environmental events worldwide; databases and information resources; articles, newsletters, and other documents; and links to environmental related internet sites and other national agency sites. Many of the documents are available in multiple languages.

The Evergreen Foundation
http://www.evergreen.ca/

"Since 1991, The Evergreen Foundation has been dedicated to connecting people with nature through the enhancement of healthy natural environments in schools and communities across Canada. Our mission is to support and inspire community action that promotes the connection between a sustainable natural environment and healthy communities."

Friends of the Earth Interational
http://www.foei.org/

"Friends of the Earth International is a federation of autonomous environmental organisations from all over the world." The FoEI web site has links to national FoE organizations, environmental organizations affiliated with FoEI, other environmental organizations, texts of international environmental treaties, news bulletins on related issues, and membership and organizational information.

The Fund for Animals
http://www.fund.org/

"The Fund for Animals was founded in 1967 by prominent author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory, and has spearheaded some of the most historic and significant events in the history of the animal protection movement. With twelve regional offices working on hard-hitting animal advocacy campaigns, and eight world-famous animal care facilities, The Fund is one of the largest and most active organizations working for the cause of animals throughout the world." This searchable web site includes factual information, news and alerts, membership information, related books and links as well as a "Kids Page" with teacher information.

Global Alliance of Performers
http://www.gap.org/

"Global Alliance of Performers is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization which bridges charities, performers, technicians, artists, buisness and the general public providing an opportunity to educate and increase public awareness of important social and environmental concerns." Site includes information on current and ongoing projects and links to related sites.

Green Building Information Council
http://greenbuilding.ca/

"The Green Building Information Council (GBIC) is a Canadian non-profit organisation which disseminates information about energy and environmental issues in the building and architecture sectors. The GBIC web site gathers together a broad range of information from other sources and organisations worldwide. It includes the full text of the Advanced Buildings Newsletter, plus the full text of the 1998 Green Building Challenge '98 conference."

Greenpeace International
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/

"Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and to force the solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future." This searchable home page contains information on Greenpeace's toxics, nuclear, atmosphere and biodiversity campaigns, links to related resources and organizations, archives, and membership and office listings.

International Association of Hydrological Sciences
http://www.cig.ensmp.fr/~iahs/index.htm

"The International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) is the international nongovernmental organization which deals with hydrology and water resources. It was established in 1922, incorporating the International Commission of Glaciers which had been set up in 1894, with the aim of bringing together hydrologists from all countries to promote the hydrological sciences. This Homepage will ultimately include information concerning the IAHS including its statutes and bye-laws, newsletters and lists of publications and conferences. However, the home page is currently under construction. A list of the information that can be currently accessed follows: IAHS Commissions and Committees; IAHS Membership Information; IAHS Press; Upcoming Conferences; IAHS Newsletters; IAHS Handbook 1995-1999; Links to Related Councils, Unions and Associations; Links to Organizations of the United Nations Family; Other Water Related Links."

International Dark-Sky Association
http://www.darksky.org/

The International Dark-Sky Association's goal is to educate the public about the environmental impact of light pollution, radio interference, and space debris. This site contains links to related organizations and newsgroups, newsletters and information sheets, images of light pollution, and membership and organizational information.

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
http://www.lincolninst.edu/

The mission of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is "to study and teach about land policy, including land economics and land taxation...The Institute's goals are to integrate the theory and practice of land use and taxation and to understand the multidisciplinary forces that influence them." The site includes publications, conference listings, and research findings.

Linnean Society of London
http://www.linnean.org/

"The Linnean Society of London, which was founded in 1788, is now the oldest extant scientific society in the world devoted to natural history ...the Society promotes all aspects of biology, but particularly those concerning the diversity and interrelationships of organisms. This involves the examination and collation of a wide range of scientific evidence from such fields as genetics, ecology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and palaeontology and impinges on related disciplines in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, geology, medicine, parasitology and veterinary science where accurate identification is essential to any research." The Linnean Society website provides information concerning some of the Society's grants and awards. A search engine for finding current Society publications and a variety of historical information about the society itself.

National Audubon Society
http://www.audubon.org/

"The National Audubon Society is one of the country's most popular and respected conservation organizations with more than 570,000 Audubon members working on behalf of the environment in 518 communities across the nation. ... National Audubon Society works through advocacy, policy, science, litigation, sanctuary management, grassroots outreach, and education." This site has information on local Audubon chapters, conservation campaigns, educational programs, public policy, publications, Audubon TV/ film/video/multimedia productions, an online tour of a wildlife sanctuary, and an online membership form.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/

"Human health and human disease result from three interactive elements: environmental factors, individual susceptibility and age. The mission of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is to reduce the burden of human illness and dysfunction from environmental causes by understanding each of these elements and how they interrelate. The NIEHS achieves its mission through multidisciplinary biomedical research programs, prevention and intervention efforts, and communication strategies that encompass training, education, technology transfer, and community outreach." This site outlines the organization's history, recent publications, research highlights, grants and contracts, and employment and training opportunities.

National Parks and Conservation Association
http://www.npca.org/

"The National Parks and Conservation Association (NPCA) is America's only private nonprofit citizen organization dedicated solely to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the U.S. National Park System." This site has NPCA and National Park Service press releases, information on grass roots programs, conservation policies, links to the National Park Service and other park-related home pages, and membership information.

National Sanitation Foundation International
http://www.nsf.org/

"Behind the NSF Mark is an independent, not-for-profit organization called NSF International. For over 50 years NSF has been committed to public health safety and protection of the environment by developing standards, by providing education and by providing third-party conformity assessment services while representing the interest of all stakeholders".

Its Web site offers links to information for customers and regulators, certification programs, the online newsletter and other publications, and employment opportunities. It also offers the possibility of downloading standards. There is information available in Spanish, French, German and Japanese.

National Wildlife Federation
http://www.nwf.org/

The National Wildlife Federation is the nation's largest member-supported conservation group, uniting individuals, organizations, businesses and government to protect wildlife, wild places, and the environment." The NWF home page has links to action alerts, educational programs, a children's page, publications, and membership information.

National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
http://www.nwrawildlife.org/default.asp

"The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association is a nonprofit international membership organization committed to promoting and improving the integrity and professionalism of wildlife rehabilitation and contributing to the preservation of natural ecosystems." The Website describes their goals, has information about membership and annual symposiums, and a "marketplace" where you can purchase publications, symposium proceedings, and other items related to wildlife rehabilitation.

Natural Environment Research Council
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/

"NERC is the lead organisation within the UK with responsibility for providing funding and support of research, survey and monitoring in the sciences of the natural environment. To fulfil obligations within its mission, NERC supports an integrated science capability that includes funding to universities, its own Centre/Surveys and provision of a scientific services and facilities infrastructure".

NERC offers in its Web site links to their research sites and the units they support, how NERC works, publications, job opportunities, environmental data and scientific projects.

Natural Resources Defense Council
http://www.nrdc.org/

"The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is is a national non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting the world's natural resources and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all people." This site provides membership information, material on numerous environmental issues, a glossary of terms used in environmental science and law, recent environmental legislative issues and events, a history of environmental law, and links to other environmental sites.

The Nature Conservancy
http://www.nature.org/

"The mission of Nature Conservancy is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive." The Nature Conservancy raises funds to purchase environmentally valuable land and preserve it. The Nature Conservancy operates "the largest private system of nature sanctuaries in the world" This site includes information about regional, state, and international programs, membership information, and extensive resources about conservation science.

The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
http://www.nonoise.org/

"We have organized to raise awareness of noise pollution and help communities take back the commons from those acting like bullies. Our efforts include building a library of resources and tools concerning noise pollution, establishing links to other groups that have similar collections, establishing networks among local noise activists, assisting communities and activists who are working to reduce noise pollution, and monitoring and advocating for stronger noise controls."

Ocean Voice International
http://www.ovi.ca/

"Ocean Voice International works for harmony between people, marine life and the environment. It is environmental, humanitarian and global in its concerns. Ocean Voice works through education, training, research, appropriate technologies and partnerships."

Organic Consumers Association
http://www.organicconsumers.org/

A "national consumer advocacy organization committed to educating, uniting, and organizing organic consumers. We will actively work to protect the integrity of organic food, and dramatically increase its accessibility to the point where sustainable agriculture becomes the dominant form of food and fiber production in the US and across the world." Provides news, calendar of events, book reviews, links to other resources.

Rainbow Warriors International
http://www.rainbowwarriors.net/

"Rainbow Warriors International is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development worldwide and human rights of Small Island Developing States, indigenous peoples and peoples not represented in the United Nations."

Rainforest Action Network
http://www.ran.org/

"Since it was founded in 1985, the Rainforest Action Network has been working to protect tropical rainforests and the human rights of those living in and around those forests. From the beginning, the Network has played a key role in strengthening the worldwide rainforest conservation movement through supporting activists in tropical countries as well as organizing and mobilizing consumers and community action groups throughout the United States."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
http://www.rspb.org.uk/

The RSPB is Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity with over 1,000,000 members. It's committed to the conservation of wildlife and carries out important scientific research.

Its Web site offers varied information on current events, wildlife, natural reserves and conservation issues. It also has educational resources for the youth.

Sierra Club
http://www.sierraclub.org/

³The Sierra Club is a non-profit member-supported, public interest organization that promotes conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions--legislative, administrative, legal, and electoral.² The site includes links to related organizations and other Internet resources, regional chapters, the Club¹s history, environmental education, and membership and organizational information.

Sierra Youth Coalition
http://www.syc-cjs.org/tiki-index.php

"Sierra Youth Coalition does environmental education, local and national campaigns, internships (local, national and International), skills building, conferences, and networking. Publications include regional zines, email updates, national action alerts and Sierra Club information." part of Sierra Club of Canada.

Society of Environmental Journalists
http://www.sej.org/

³SEJ's purpose is to enable journalists to better inform the public about critical issues concerning the environment. SEJ's membership of more than 1,100 includes journalists working for newspapers, television and radio stations, broadcast and cable networks, magazines, newsletters, wire services and photo agencies, as well as educators and students. Non-membersare welcome to attend SEJ's conferences and to subscribe to its quarterly publication.² The SEJ sponsors the Environmental Journalism Home Page, with links to journals, newsletters, internet and other resources, and conference plans.

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
http://www.setac.org/

"The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) is an independent, nonprofit professional society that provides a forum for individuals and institutions engaged in study of environmental issues, Management and conservation of natural resources, Environmental education, and Environmental research and development." Site includes information on membership, activities, meetings, publications, regional chapters, a student web, the SETAC Foundation, and on its various advisory groups.

Southern Africa Environment Project
http://www.saep.org/

SAEP is an environmental non-governmental organisation with offices in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. SAEP's programme is based on the following beliefs: Environmental education, Environmental leadership and leadership skills and the capacity for environmental advocacy, especially in the black community, must be developed as rapidly as possible.

This site contains Environmental Topics, South African Government Documents and Web Sites, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa,(EEASA), etc.

Surfrider Foundation
http://www.surfrider.org/

"The non-profit Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection, preservation and restoration of the world's oceans, waves and beaches."

Center for Coastal Studies
http://www.coastalstudies.org/

"A private non-profit organization for research, conservation, and education in the costal and marine environments."

Ecological Society of America
http://www.esa.org/

"The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization of scientists founded in 1915 to stimulate sound ecological research; clarify and communicate the science of ecology and promote the responsible application of ecological knowledge to public issues".

Its Web site offers links to meetings, publications, career and funding opportunities, education, science programs and public affairs.

Inter-Tribal Environmental Council of Oklahoma
http://www.itecmembers.org/

The mission of the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITEC) is to protect; the health of Native Americans, their natural resources, and their environment as it relates to air, land and water. To accomplish this mission ITEC provides technical support, training and environmental services in a variety of environmental disciplines. Currently, there are thirty-two (32) ITEC member tribes in Oklahoma and Texas.

Water Quality Association
http://www.wqa.org/

"The Water Quality Association (WQA) is the international trade association representing the household, commercial, and industrial water quality improvement industry. Its 2,200 corporate member companies manufacture and sell point-of-use/point-of-entry (POU/POE) equipment, package water treatment plants, and customized water treatment systems." This site provides information about membership and benefits, the WQA professional certification program, and a calendar of events. It also includes information about basic water quality issues, technical briefs, a glossary of terms, and relevant legislative matters.

Wild Ones
http://www.for-wild.org/

"Wild Ones -- Natural Landscapers, Ltd. is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate and share information with members and community at the 'plant-roots' level and to promote biodiversity and environmentally sound practices. We are a diverse membership interested in landscaping using native species in developing plant communities." The Wild Ones Handbook is available online: it contains information "for the native plant landscaper and wildflower gardener."

The Wilderness Society
http://wilderness.org/

"The Wilderness Society is a non-profit membership organization devoted to preserving wilderness and wildlife, protecting America's prime forests, parks, rivers, deserts and shorelands, and fostering an American land ethic." The site includes environmental news, publications, and a reference library.

Wildlife Conservation Society
http://www.wcs.org/

"Headquartered at New York City's Bronx Zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) works to save wildlife and wild lands throughout the world. For more than a century, WCS has inspired care for nature, pioneered environmental education programs, and helped sustain biological diversity. Throughout its rich history, the Society has remained an integral part of New York City's cultural life and a leader in teaching biology and science in both the U.S. and worldwide." The Website features several online exhibitions, as well as science and educational information, and a special section for kids.

World Conservation Monitoring Centre
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/

The World Conservation Monitoring Centre studies and presents information on biodiversity, ecosystem and species survival. As part of the United Nations Environmental Program, this website has information on international environmental policy and decision-making.

World Resources Institute
http://www.wri.org/

"The mission of World Resources Institute (WRI) is to move human society to live in ways that protect the Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations." This site provides links to information regarding resources reports, studies, thematic projects (like the "Biodiversity" site), catalogs, libraries, and a gopher.

World Wide Fund for Nature
http://www.panda.org/

"WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature is the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organization, with around 5 million supporters and a global network of 27 National Organizations, 5 Associates, and 21 Programme Offices." WWF was formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund. The site has information on WWF's major campaigns, general environmental news and information and information on how to help the WWF in its endeavors. It also has links to the many regional branches of WWF and a form with which to contact the WWF by e-mail.

World Wildlife Fund Canada

The World Wildlife Fund is "the largest private conservation organization in the world." The WWF-Canada home page has information on projects in Canada and Latin America, a page for children, ways to get involved in environmental activism, and membership information.

Worldwatch Institute
http://www.worldwatch.org/

"Worldwatch is a nonprofit public policy research organization dedicated to informing policymakers and the public about emerging global problems and trends and the complex links between the world economy and its environmental support systems." Site includes news updates, publications, and articles from the Worldwatch Institute Magazine. Links to related sites also included.

The Xerces Society
http://www.xerces.org/

The Xerces Society is "an international, nonprofit organization focused on public education about invertebrates, and conservation projects that demonstrate their critical roles in endangered ecosystems around the globe.