Dr. Merle Shepard, Director

Message from the Director

The Archbold Tropical Research and Education Consortium (ATREC) with facilities at the Springfield Center for Environmental Protection, Research and Education (SCEPTRE) on Dominica is uniquely postured to become the premier biological field station for the Caribbean region. Large areas of intact rainforest and other tropical ecosystems grade from tropical dry forests on the east side to cloud or elfin forests at higher elevations. Bountiful water supplies and pristine marine environments contribute to Dominica's uniqueness. All of this provides opportunities for studying and understanding the patterns and processes that contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Even the natural ecosystems of Dominica are beginning to experience habitat destruction and loss of species. It is estimated that only about 200 individuals of the endangered Sisserou parrot, the national bird of Dominica, still remain there. This bird may be considered the litmus test for species preservation on the island.

Consortium members and others interested in the islands natural beauty, provide support toward helping to keep the biological station infrastructure maintained, supplies and equipment for the laboratories and, more importantly, contribute their own expertise toward planning research and education activities in tropical biology, ecology and related areas. We are confident that participation by students, research scientists, teachers and others will provide information that will help to conserve the remaining vestiges of tropical forests and marine ecosystems. The small island of Dominica provides extraordinary opportunities for studying and understanding complex ecological patterns that influence global health and stability and for sharing those experiences with Dominicans and the world at large.

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