Major Initiatives

Active Projects

Bee beach closure sign coastalakesicon spotted salamander
Mitchell Center Sustainability Research Projects New England Sustainability Consortium Maine Water Resources Research Institute Of Pools and People

Mitchell Center Sustainability Research Projects
As part of the Mitchell Center’s core commitment to increase UMaine’s research capacity and competitiveness in solutions-focused sustainability science, funding is provided each year to support a small number of grants in support of interdisciplinary research projects and stakeholder partnerships. The overall goal is to broaden and strengthen the scope of the Mitchell Center’s research portfolio in ways that address critical sustainability challenges in and beyond Maine, and accelerate the development of real-world solutions.

New England Sustainability Consortium
The New England SusTainability Consortium (NEST) is a regional research partnership that mobilizes cutting-edge theory and methods from the emerging field of sustainability science and a range of disciplines to tackle sustainability problems in the region. NEST is designed to respond to societal challenges where economic and community development goals need to be balanced with environmental protection. Such sustainability objectives are not only of central importance in New England, they also represent national and global imperatives.

Maine Water Resources Research Institute
At the land grant university of each state, a small federal grant provides base support for a program that identifies water resources research needs, finds university researchers capable of conducting useful research, and leverages federal funds to sponsor the needed investigations. The State Water Resources Research Institute Program (WRRI)  is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). As Maine’s congressionally-authorized water institute, the Maine Water Institute receives base funding to operate programs tailored to meet Maine’s water resource needs.

Of pools and people: small natural features with large ecosystem functions in urbanizing landscapes
Many landscapes have small natural features that are far more important for maintaining biodiversity or providing ecosystem services than one would expect based on their size. Likewise, many landscapes are urbanizing as communities grow and their development patterns change. Effectively managing these features in urbanizing landscapes presents interesting challenges and opportunities. Supported by a National Science Foundation award.

Completed Projects

students at computer fishermen
Sustainability Solutions Initiative Diadromous Species Restoration

Sustainability Solutions Initiative (SSI)
The Sustainability Solutions Initiative is mobilizing the power of Maine’s universities and colleges to tackle complex problems at the intersection of environmental, social and economic issues. From developing tidal power in Cobscook Bay to coping with increased flooding in Ellsworth, more than a dozen SSI research teams are working with citizens and communities across the state to address urgent sustainability challenges. Supported by National Science Foundation award EPS-0904155 to Maine EPSCoR at the University of Maine.

Diadromous Species Restoration Research Network
Diadromous (migratory) fish are experiencing a ‘rebirth’ of late. Researchers, managers, and communities are recognizing that restoring migratory fish can benefit the health of entire river ecosystems. However, in many regions diadromous species restoration is occurring in a scattered and uncoordinated fashion. The Diadromous Species Restoration Research Network (DSRRN) will integrate these diverse activities in ways that improve understanding of ecosystems and enhance restoration outcomes. Supported by National Science Foundation award DEB-0742196.