Digital Resources from ForestGEO
Each summer we look forward to the Annual ForestGEO Analytical Workshop where researchers from across the network convene to advance analyses of ForestGEO datasets and writing of scientific manuscripts for publication. Due to the ongoing public health crisis we are unable to host the workshop this year, so we’re taking the opportunity to highlight several free online resources that ForestGEO has compiled to help members of the network learn new skills, strengthen understanding of ForestGEO’s standardized methods, and advance forest science research.
BUILDING SKILLS
We’ve consolidated several resources on science writing, software support, and statistical analysis (GitHub, R, etc.) in this new webpage to help you better conduct and communicate scientific analysis. Beyond simply aggregating resources that our staff scientists and collaborators have found to be particularly useful, we’ve supplied a brief description of each source to clue you in on its format, practitioner level, and area of focus.
FORESTGEO PROTOCOLS
Comparing forests and detecting patterns across global network is possible with ForestGEO’s long-term, standardized data collection methods. By applying ForestGEO’s protocols both within and among sites, researchers can develop new insights into global forest dynamics. ForestGEO’s sites conduct a tree census every five years, and some additionally undertake specialized surveys regarding arthropods, tree mortality, and soil, to name a few. Familiarizing yourself with ForestGEO’s protocols enables you to understand current ForestGEO research and also prepares you for fieldwork and analyses of your own.
ACCESSING FORESTGEO DATA
Looking to use data from a ForestGEO site? You can request census data for many plots via the ForestGEO Data Portal. Simply identify the site that you’re interested in, click the “Request Data” button in the pop-up box, familiarize yourself with the Terms & Conditions of the data use, and submit a data request form. Principal Investigators will review the proposed use of the data, and if they agree to share data with you, you will receive instructions on how to access the data for a period of two weeks. If you seek data from a ForestGEO site that houses their data outside of the Portal, simply send an e-mail to the plot PI (hint: their e-mail address will be on the plot webpage).
PUBLICATIONS
Our Publications Database contains bibliographic information on over 1,000 books/articles/chapters that use ForestGEO data. You can search for specific articles by title, author, or year of publication. Many entries contain an abstract and a link to the journal where you can find the full text. If your goal is to read up on the literature pertaining to a specific research site, go to the Publications tab off the main page of the plot of interest. The best way to stay up-to-date with new publications? Sign up to receive our listserv (we also send announcements re: forest-related funding opportunities and job postings). Or, if you prefer your updates in 180 characters or less, check out our Twitter and Facebook accounts.
…and for a good smattering of network news and features, we encourage you to take a look at our ForestGEO news blog, which offers profiles of ForestGEO programs and partners.
