Research programs within the Center for Conservation are both basic and applied and focus on the functioning of mid-Atlantic ecosystems. We strive to select projects that not only fill information needs but also serve as catalysts to increase public awareness and stimulate related work in the region. Since the fall of 1991, Center staff and students have conducted more than 150 different research projects dealing with a diverse range of species, habitats, and problems. We have collaborated with more than 4 dozen government agencies, corporations, and universities.

Our research strategy has been to use a general systems approach to locate critical information needs and to plot a deliberate course of action to reach what we believe are essential information endpoints. Research conducted by Center staff generally falls within three broad areas or programs including 1) threatened and endangered bird program, 2) bird diversity program, and 3) bird migration program.