To effectively study novel ecosystems in cities, ecologists must move beyond studies in urban parks and publically accessible lands and tackle the ecology of private property.

Though there are practical reasons for this bias related to ease of access, it creates a skewed picture of urban ecosystems. In residential properties, studies have shown that vegetation and other diversity metrics differ markedly between front and back (or side) yards. Further, few studies take place on private industrial and commercial property. Therefore, it is essential that ecologists carry out fieldwork on private property that is not publically accessible to create a complete picture of novel ecosystems in cities.

This workshop focuses on practical skills necessary to recruit and manage relationships with private property owners (and their agents) in order to successfully practice ecology in these novel ecosystems. Topics will include: initiating contact with property owners; addressing property owner concerns; maintaining communication with property owners; managing turnover in property management staff and transfers in property ownership; and other problems inherent with working on private property.

Join us as we share lessons learned and techniques to approach field work in non-traditional landscapes.