On August 14th, 2025, Rob Josefowski, Kristin Freebery, and Abigail Brainard from the Newark, Delaware office, attended the Ecological Society of America’s (ESA) Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. We participated in two oral sessions—Restoration Ecology and Biodiversity—and Abigail presented in the Late-Breaking Poster Session.
The Restoration Ecology session emphasized that measuring ecosystem “success” is often subjective. Presenters highlighted the importance of quantifiable metrics such as Floristic Quality Index, percent cover, and invasive vs. native species counts. These tools can bridge the gap between academic research and the for-profit sector, helping us evaluate the effectiveness of restoration projects in a more consistent, data-driven way.
The Biodiversity session explored how population modeling can improve our understanding of species and microbial dynamics. This approach is directly applicable to McKim & Creed’s work in endangered species surveys and GIS mapping for residential development. By modeling both endangered species and human populations, we can better anticipate the long-term impacts of development or conservation measures—leading to more resilient and well-informed projects.
In the af
ternoon, Abigail presented her undergraduate research in the Late-Breaking Poster Session: Simulating Surface Water Temperatures in Inland Temperate Wetlands. This project, developed with her advisor over the course of a year, involved amending an existing wetland model to incorporate surface water temperature simulations. Using future climate projections, they examined potential impacts on Northern Leopard frogs in the Prairie Pothole region. While outside McKim & Creed’s direct geographic footprint, the methods and insights are relevant to our wetland projects. Anticipating how climate change and other disturbances may affect wetland conditions allows us to better mitigate impacts, guide monitoring efforts, and support clients facing environmental challenges.
Protecting and enhancing wetlands remains a core mission of the Sciences Department here in the Delaware office. Insights from ESA 2025 strengthen our ability to meet that mission by aligning cutting-edge ecological research with the practical needs of our clients and communities.
Thanks to the Ecological Society of America and McKim & Creed for encouraging and supporting our education and helping to further grow our industry!
We had a blast at #ESA2025!
