When thinking about ecological research, many people envision scientists studying natural areas. Classic projects, such ecosystem research in New Hampshire's White Mountains, conjure up images of forested research sites. But even the most rural sites exist within a matrix of human-induced ecological change, with rainfall in the country influenced by fossil fuel combustion in developed areas. While some research sites are covered in trees, others are dominated by buildings— the science of ecology knows no boundaries.

Since the Institute's inception, scientists have been researching the ecology of urban areas. What began as the Urban-to-Rural Ecology Gradient Project, comparing urban forests in New York City to their rural and suburban counterparts, has evolved into collaboration between natural, physical and social scientists in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Directed by Institute ecologist Dr. Steward T. A. Pickett, Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) participants have been exploring the ecology of metropolitan Baltimore and they way urban dwellers interact with their environment since 1997.

By building a bridge between the natural and social sciences, BES strives to unravel how urban ecosystems function, with the goal of understanding this growing ecosystem type and incorporating the urban ecological system in the socio-political decision-making that influences the metropolitan environment. Over 35 researchers conduct the study, with partners from universities all over North America. Participating scientists include Drs. Alan R. Berkowitz, Mary L. Cadenasso, and Peter M. Groffman.

The three central questions being explored by BES research include: (1) What are the fluxes of energy and matter in the Baltimore metropolitan ecosystem, and how do they change over the long term; (2) How does the spatial structure of ecological, physical, infrastructural, and socio-economic factors affect ecological processes; and (3) How can urban residents develop and use an understanding of urban ecology to improve the quality of their environment and their daily lives?