A Tale of Two Networks

Abstract

Ecological dynamics can change substantially in space and time, yet most experimental research occurs in a single location or for a short period of time. Networked experiments, which are coordinated, multi-site, multi-year studies, can be an effective approach for capturing the complexity that drives dissimilar ecological processes across sites and years. Here, we leverage our collective knowledge of leading two networked experiments to provide suggestions for how to initiate, grow, and maintain coordinated distributed experiments. We have organized our perspective in terms of how networked experiments might require unique considerations of experimental design, engagement of new collaborators, and the maintenance of existing collaborators. Although the deployment of networked experiments can be constrained by logistical and financial issues, such experiments can be used as tools to provide researchers with the data to address many challenging environmental problems of today.