Linking land use, water, energy and climate change


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Land, water and natural systems are being impacted by unsustainable human demands. Evidence is mounting that competition for natural resources worldwide is resulting in both economic and ecological challenges. A transformative shift in how we utilize, monitor, manage, conserve and restore our natural resources is essential and will require novel ecology-based technologies and applications to solve major environmental problems.

The Institute of Applied Ecology is applications-driven, bringing together an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary faculty with an applied focus to develop, pilot and package innovative solutions for sustainable natural resources.

Read more about current news and research in our IAE Research News publication - current edition November 2012 - Volume 2, No. 2.
Major programs of the Institute of Applied Ecology include
the Center for Watershed Excellence and the Intelligent River® Research Enterprise.

Intelligent River® Research Enterprise

One of the major projects being developed on campus is the cyberinfrastructure-based digital watershed. The University awarded a $1.5 million grant to develop the cyber platform and four demonstration projects. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University $3 million to design, develop and deploy a basinwide network of computerized sensors to monitor water quality along the entire length of the Savannah River.
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[Intelligent River web site]

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Ecological Restoration & Green Infrastructure

The Institute is working with the City of Aiken and Hitchcock Woods Foundation to formulate an Ecological Restoration Master Plan for Sand River. The Plan will establish goals, policies and guidelines for the long-term Sand River restoration program.

[View Sand River project site]
[View Aiken Green Infrastructure project site]

Sand River erosion


Center for Watershed Excellence

The Center for Watershed Excellence has been established to work with local communities to identify watershed issues, develop site-based solutions toward economic and environmental sustainability, procure funding sources and provide "one-stop-shop" watershed planning and management support within South Carolina.

[Center for Watershed Excellence web site]

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Discussing Water Challenges

The purpose of the S.C. Water Resources Conference is to provide an open forum to discuss current water policies, research projects and water management in the state. The 2012 event brought together over 300 participants. Held every other year, the next event is scheduled for October 15-16, 2014 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

[SCWRC web site]

 

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Watershed Stewardship

Any concerned resident can be a steward of a watershed. The South Carolina Watershed Stewardship mapping tool links volunteers to organizations and encourages stewardship to help protect and restore our valuable water resources. Your time and efforts can make a difference in protecting and improving the health of your local waterway.
[SC Watershed Stewardship Mapping Tool site]

photo of SC Watershed Steward Map