Why are you staring in that puddle? Climate change communication in Acadia National Park

Hundreds of puddles dot the rocky coastline in Acadia National Park. These freshwater pools host tiny ecosystems with enormous scientific value as a model system in climate change biology. For park visitors, however, the pools are a mere obstacle between their cars and the thundering ocean they came to observe. But, when scientists stare in the pools on their hands and knees or create artificial pools warmed with greenhouses, visitors take notice, and an opportunity for science communication is born. I will discuss how I am working with the Second Century Stewardship Program to maximize the benefit of these opportunities.