Call for Proposals 2011

Rice Creek Associates (RCA) is a citizen support group of Rice Creek Field Station (RCFS).      Among its goals are to help RCFS meet its mission to preserve the area, advance knowledge of ecological processes and disseminate this information to the public.  To meet these goals, RCA invites proposals from scholars, scientists, educators and students for the 2011 Rice Creek Associates Small Grants Program. 

Located about 2.4 km south of Lake Ontario and the main campus, RCFS properties include approximately 121 ha of varied habitats with open fields, mature forests, and land in various stages of succession.  The property is bisected by Rice Creek and 10.5 ha Rice Pond.  Facilities include a weather station, labs, a classroom, a small library, collection storage, small boats and overall the field as a natural outdoor laboratory.  Lodging is available on the main campus.

Proposals oriented toward basic and applied research in field biology, the natural sciences, earth sciences, education, social sciences, and/or service projects will be considered. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants need not be affiliated with RCFS or SUNY Oswego.  However, the work must be done at Rice Creek Field Station.

FUNDING:

Most awards will be between $500 and $2,000.  Additional funds in support of living expenses for visiting scholars may be available at the discretion of the RCA Board of Directors.  Grant funds may be used for stipends, travel, supplies, equipment, publication costs or secretarial support.  No indirect costs will be considered.  RCA encourages grant applicants to seek matching funds from appropriate sources. Areas of special interest are proposals that help increase the past and current knowledge of the ecological processes in Rice Creek. Proposals that include one or more of the following will be given the highest priority for funding (invasive species, understudied taxonomic groups, or species of special interest, and how these organisms affect the ecology of the region are especially desired) Examples of previous project supported by RCA are: small mammal surveys, non-invasive subsurface geological exploration techniques, identification and flight season determination of butterfly populations, turtle population surveys, breeding bird surveys, and collection renovation. Areas of special interest are proposals that help increase the past and current knowledge of the ecological processes in Rice Creek. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, analysis of climate parameters in   Rice Creek, history of Rice Creek land use, GIS analysis of habitat changes since Rice Creek Field Station was created, biodiversity studies, developing surveys focusing on public perception and college perception of the Rice Creek Field Station, and artistic interpretations of the Rice Creek grounds.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:

An original and an electronic copy of each proposal should be submitted by mail or in person to:

Rice Creek Associates
Small Grant Review Committee
Rice Creek Field Station
SUNY-Oswego
Oswego, N.Y. 13126

Proposals are due by March 15, 2011.  Awards will be announced on or about April 15, 2011.

CONTENTS OF PROPOSALS:

Proposals should consist of a cover page, text, and résumé of the applicant(s).  The text should include the following sections:

1.      Background and Need: Indicate the rationale for the project.  Include a review of literature, if  relevant, to show your clear understanding of the subject matter and grasp of related   research.

2.      Objectives: Clearly and succinctly state what will be accomplished.

3.      Method(s): Indicate the steps and techniques that will be followed, the experimental research design or project management plans and the expected data sources.

4.      Schedule: Indicate the date work will begin and the schedule for its completion.

5.      Personnel: Describe the role of study participants.

6.      Significance: Detail how the project will further the educational and scientific mission of Rice Creek Field Station.

7.      Literature Cited in Proposal:

8.      Itemized Budget: The budget should include:

                          A. Amount requested from RCA.

                          B. Matching funds applied (if applicable).

Proposals may be of any length necessary to describe the proposed project but may not exceed 15 double spaced pages, excluding vitae.

PROPOSAL REVIEW:

All proposals will be reviewed by the Small Grant Review Committee of Rice Creek Associates.  The Board of Directors of Rice Creek Associates will make the final determination of awards.  The Small Grant Review Committee and/or the Board of Directors of RCA may solicit peer review.  Applicants are encouraged to suggest reviewers.

For more information about this program, contact:

Dr. Peter A. Rosenbaum

Phone: 315-312-2775

E-mail: peter.rosenbaum@oswego.edu

Fax: 315-312-3059

Dr. Lucina Hernandez

Phone: 315-216-6879

E-mail: lucina.hernandez@oswego.edu

Fax: 315-216-6880