Jeff Anderson

Jeff Anderson is the science coordinator at North Cascades Institute, where he is working to integrate more ecological research into the Institute's suite of field-based natural history programs. In addition to fostering research opportunities for elementary, high school, and graduate students, he works to engage citizen scientists from nearby communities in projects within the greater North Cascades ecosystem. Currently, citizen scientists and students assist with research pertaining to sub-alpine butterflies, Whitebark Pine, carnivore habitat connectivity, and phenology, among other things. Jeff worked as an environmental educator, research ecologist, and backcountry guide for the last 15 years. His graduate research focused on the breeding biology of prairie-nesting birds, but his natural history interests range from marine zooplankton to large carnivores and most things in between.

Conversations:

• Ground nesting bird nest finder

Workshops:

• Synthesis

Karen Reagan: So how many years did you survey streaked horned larks?

Jeff Anderson: I looked for those little guys for two years and I don't think I have reached my potential as a ground nesting bird nest finder. I think to reach that full potential I would need to accentuate my already large nose, like a coyote, and improve my vision to some degree. They're just so cryptic and so impossible to find. But I love the act of searching for nests, whether it's in the prairie or in the mountains. And every nest that I find, it really is a jewel. There's no other way to describe it.