GCE-LTER Project News

Steve and collaborators recently published a paper on "centrifugal organization" of salt marsh plant communities. What centrifugal organization means is that there is a single optimum habitat (in this case where Juncus occurs) but more than one poor or stressful habitat (in this case, regularly flooded areas where Spartina dominates, and very salty areas where Batis and Sarcocornia dominate). All the species would like to live where Juncus does, but most are excluded from the optimum habitat by competition. We argue that similar processes occur in New England, but the salty habitat is only revealed after wrack disturbance, and is temporary, whereas in low latitudes it is permanent (salt pans).

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The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER program seeks a research technician to assist with studies of coastal ecology. Work will involve studies of water quality, soils, and wetland plants and animals. This Research Technician II position is based at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA. The selected individual will work with other technicians, faculty and students at the field site.

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The 2026 LTER Photo Contest is brought to you by the LTER Graduate Student Committee! This year's theme is "Science and Self." Deadline for photo submissions is October 30.

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GCE Technician Emily Pace has recently moved to Talahassee, Fl where she will be the supervising the chlorophyll analysis team for the Department of Environmental Protection's DEAR program. DEAR (Division of Environmental Assessment and Resoration) develops and adopts Florida's surface water quality standards, monitors and reports on surface water and groundwater quality, and assesses rivers, lakes, estuaries and springs to identify pollution problems. Emily was an oustanding technician, a great friend, and prolific shark tooth hunter during her time on Sapelo Island. She'll be sorely missed by GCE personnel, UGAMI staff and Sapelo residents, but we are happy to see her pursue her dreams. 

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The GCE fall monitoring process is centered in October, but in August we monitor grasshoppers. They're all gone by October, so we catch them in August near the end of their life cycle. A great day out in the boat in beautiful conditions. Not a big year for grasshoppers, however. They are here, but not abundant.

Sampling grasshoppers at GCE core monitoring sites in August 2026

From the Network Office:
You are invited to participate in the Generative AI Experience and Professional Development Survey! This survey is being administered by the Office of Teaching and Learning and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

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