Central Arizona Phoenix-Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTER)

Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) project is one of 24
long-term sites funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). LTER
sites have tended to focus upon pristine locations well removed from
the myriad effects brought about by extensive human modification and
dominance of ecosystems. The CAP LTER site provides a unique addition
to the LTER research by focusing on an arid-land ecosystem profoundly
influenced, even defined, by the presence and activities of humans and
is one of only two sites that specifically studies the ecology of
urban systems. Biological, physical, and social scientists from
Arizona State University and a wide range of local partners are
working together to study the structure and function of the urban
ecosystem, assess the effects of urban development on the Sonoran
Desert, and define the impact of ecological conditions on urban
development. Our investigations into the relationship between
land-use decisions and ecological consequences in the rapidly growing
urban environment of Phoenix is of broad relevance for urban
planning. The project also has an explicit commitment to engage the
broader community in our research effort, both in K-16 education and
in the public understanding of science.

This information was obtained in part from the CAP LTER Home page at
http://caplter.asu.edu/

CAP LTER is part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network, which
is funded by the National Science Foundation, and accessible at
www.lternet.edu. Data are one of the most valuable products of the
LTER program. The goal of the Network is to provide fast, effective,
and open access to LTER data. Over 2000 ecological datasets are part
of a network-wide information system designed to facilitate data
exchange and integration to meet the needs of ecological scientists.