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Welcome to the NatureServe Network!

This onboarding page provides essential guidance for new and existing NatureServe Network staff seeking to collaborate more effectively with NatureServe and the broader Network.

May 1, 2025 Version

NatureServe’s overall mission is to work in partnership with Network Programs to manage and distribute authoritative information critical to the conservation of biological diversity across North America.  

NatureServe advances the goals of both individual Network Programs, and the Network as a whole by: developing standard methodologies and information systems that promote consistent, high-quality biological conservation information among all Network Programs; developing global or range-wide species and ecological community data; developing national and international ecological community classifications; promoting the use of data developed by the Network Programs; promoting and advocating for the Network Programs; identifying data gaps and seeking resources to address those gaps; and, in collaboration with the Network Programs, developing regional, national, and international projects that promote the improvement and use of data at multi-jurisdictional scales.  NatureServe manages an international database that includes species location data from the Network Programs from across Canada and the United States.   

Below are resources that we hope will help you engage with NatureServe and other Network Programs and should be relevant to both new and existing staff. If there are things you think should be added please reach out to Shara Howie, NatureServe’s Director of Network Partnerships and Data. Also below are email links for key staff and teams that lead specific areas of our work. 

Your engagement with the NatureServe Network is crucial to achieving our collective conservation mission! 

Thank you! 

Quick Contents

  • Getting the Big Picture
    • Recommended Web Pages
  • Training Resources
    • Data and Methodology Training
    • Biotics Training Materials
    • Data Exchange Alerts Workbench Training
    • Conservation Status Assessment Ranking Training
  • Connect with other Network Program staff
    • Instructions for Updating the Network Directory
    • Network SharePoint Site
    • Network Calls
  • Data Sharing
  • NatureServe Network Services & Invoicing Schedule
    • Software, Information, and Support Services (Biotics)
    • Membership Dues
    • Environmental Review Tool
    • NatureServe Fee Structure for FY 2025 – FY 2026
  • Checklist for New Employees

Getting the Big Picture

To get you oriented to NatureServe and how it works collaboratively to support your program and other programs in the network please visit the NatureServe website – we are always adding new content.

Network Programs are located throughout Canada and the U.S. that act as a clearinghouse for biodiversity data for their jurisdiction and perform other services to support local biodiversity conservation. Network Programs are Constituent Members of NatureServe when they are: (1) paying NatureServe annual membership dues, (2) following NatureServe Network approved data standards and methods, (3) sharing data with NatureServe and external parties, and (4) participating in NatureServe Network coordination and governing efforts.

Recommended Web Pages

Training Resources

Data and Methodology Training  

For 50 years, NatureServe and its partner Network Programs have been developing and refining, measurable science-based standards and methods that guide how we collect, document, and use our data to inform decision-making. Please visit our NatureServe Core Methodology web page that includes a link to our Methodology & Guidelines publications and documents. NatureServe is rolling out a variety of training resources and opportunities outlined below.   

  • Data Use Training outlines NatureServe methods and data and were developed for external users of NatureServe data but provides a good overview of the NatureServe Network’s work.  
  • The Core Methodology Training (CMT) site, includes links to pre-recorded training and a summary of new offerings under development. This web page includes a survey where you can provide input on the type of training resources most needed. 
  • Field-based CMT will be offered as part of Network Program Regional Meetings. See the regional meeting schedule here: 2025-2026 Network Regional Meetings.docx. Details will be added to the CMT site as they become available.  

Biotics Training Materials  

Biotics 5 | NatureServe is an integrated, web-enabled platform for tabular and spatial data management. Used by the NatureServe Network, it encapsulates our shared methodology and data standards, supporting standardized, high quality data. The following are training resources to support Network Programs in the use of Biotics.  

Data Exchange Alerts Workbench Training  

A huge strength of our data is that fact that we have tools and processes that support the synchronization of this data across the Network including taxonomic and rank data. The Data Exchange Alerts Workbench is one of those tools.  

If you are involved in your program’s data exchange process, please visit the Biotics Online Help page for an overview of the Biotics Data Exchange Alerts Workbench that includes a short video introduction at the top of the page. If your program is interested in setting up a walk-through of the workbench (to support processing significant global and national data updates in Biotics) contact the Science Information Management team at biotics@natureserve.org

Conservation Status Assessment Ranking Training  

One of the most important data products developed by the NatureServe Network is our NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments or “Ranks”, and our Conservation Rank Assessment Tool (formerly the “rank calculator”) that encapsulates our ranking methodology. NatureServe conservation assessment ranks are utilized by federal and state agencies, and many industries for prioritizing species conservation efforts.  The following are resources that support the use of NatureServe conservation status assessment methodologies and tools.  

  • Biotics facilitates the ranking process with a built-in rank assessment tool. Biotics Help provides guidance on some aspects of ranking. 
  • Contact Amanda Eberly by emailing biotics@natureserve.org if you would like to request rank assessment tool training. 

Connect with other Network Program staff 

NatureServe aims to maintain contact information for each Network Program and for each person working in a Network Program. This contact information is so important. We use it when we cite the source of data in data products, when we invite network members to meetings, conferences, and webinars, and it allows Network Programs to be in contact with other members of the network who work in their area of interest. Please help us keep this information current! Thank you! 

To get in touch with your NatureServe Network Cohorts please visit the Network Directory here: Network Directory | NatureServe 

If the information in the Network Directory for your program is out of date, please use the following instructions.

Instructions for Updating the Network Directory  

  • Create a new NatureServe Network member profile on our main website by going to: https://www.natureserve.org/user/profile  
  • Once an account is set up, there's a secondary step to associate yourself with a Network Program (this is important for getting on “Network only” emails, such as Network Topic Call announcements): go to https://www.natureserve.org/network-member-profile, log in if needed, select “Network Member Profile” and pick the appropriate option from the Member Program drop-down.  
  • The directory has self-service functionality, and you can update your information at any time by logging in here.  
  • If an individual has left your program please email nicole_iturralde@natureserve.org, and request this person be deleted from the network directory. 

Network SharePoint Site 

We also have a Network SharePoint site where many Network related documents are stored including the type of documents listed below. If you need access to SharePoint please email cliff_alton@natureserve.org, after you have set up an account on the Network Directory using the steps outlined in the section above.  

Network Calls 

Below is a summary of the various types of network calls that are held.  

  • U.S. Section Calls   
    • Purpose: For Network Program leads and NatureServe senior managers to share information and discuss high priority topics identified by the U.S. Section Council members and NatureServe executive staff.  
  • U.S. Regional Coordinator Calls 
    • Purpose: For Network Program leads to provide a venue for more informal discussions on high priority topics in the region and provide individual program updates.  
  • iNaturalist Calls 
    • Purpose: For iNaturalist staff and NatureServe Network staff to meet about uses of iNaturalist, updates on iNaturalist development, and improving collaboration in support of shared conservation goals. 
  • Species Habitat Modeling Calls 
    • Purpose: For any Network Program staff involved in or interested in species habitat modeling to get updates on NatureServe and Network Program modeling efforts, and to discuss collaborative modeling issues.  
    • Timing/Format: First Tuesday every 2 months at 1pm eastern. Contact data_science@natureserve.org to be added to the call or suggest topics for the call.    
  • Other Regional Call (Botany, Zoology, and Ecology) 
  • Canadian Board of Directors Calls 
    • Purpose: For NatureServe Canada staff, Canadian Network Programs, and their conservation partners to share updates and discuss priority projects and issues. 
    • Timing/Format: Second Wednesday of each month at 1:15pm eastern. Contact NatureServe Canada’s Director, Patrick Henry to get more information on this call.  
  • Topic Calls 
    • Purpose: For all Network Program staff to learn about and engage in a topic of interest.  
    • Timing/Format: As requested by U.S. or Canadian Section Council 

Data Sharing 

Here are various ways to access NatureServe Network data. By registering as a NatureServe Network Program user in Explorer Pro, network staff have the ability to access more precise range-wide data than is available to the public via Explorer Pro.  

  • Explorer  
    • Free access to profiles of species and ecosystems (range-wide information on taxonomy, vegetation classification, ranks, EO Rank specifications, threats, etc.): https://explorer.natureserve.org/ 
    • All of this data for your jurisdiction is downloaded monthly via central to local Biotics exchange too. 
  • Explorer Pro  
  • Data Provider Portal 
    • NatureServe Network Programs can assign one or more staff to be in charge of setting the rules around how data are shared to: a) the public, b) federal agencies, and c) other network programs via Explorer Pro. This is done using the Data Provider Portal. If you need to access to the portal please email ExplorerSupport@natureserve.org.   
    • Note: Before providing precise data to any external user, NatureServe will either notify your program or send your programs a permission form depending on how you set up you data sharing rules in the Data Provider Portal.  
  • Data Sharing Agreements 
  • Network Credit Reports 
    • Most Network Programs participate in a data crediting system and receive an annual credit in exchange for use of data. Annual credit reports are sent out to all Network Program Coordinators or Leads each June/July.   

NatureServe Network Services & Invoicing Schedule

Network Programs will receive invoices during the year for the following services as applicable.  

Software, Information, and Support Services (Biotics) 

Annual Biotics invoices go out at the same time every year based on the original Biotics installation date that various program by program. See the fee structure details below. For questions about your level of services or other questions about Biotics email Shelley Cooke at Biotics Support. For questions about your invoice contact Yukie Shiromizu at: ar@natureserve.org.   

Membership Dues 

Invoices for Membership Dues go out each year in March and contribute to a pool of unrestricted funding that can be used to support things like central data development, methodology advances, data exchange, and network support (regional and section calls and meetings). NatureServe is looking into bundling Membership Dues with Biotics Dues to reduce transaction costs for both Network Programs and NatureServe. For questions about your dues level contact Shara Howie. For questions about your invoice contact Yukie Shiromizu at: ar@natureserve.org.    

Environmental Review Tool 

NatureServe has developed an Environmental Review Tool (ERT) that can be customized for Network Programs to integrate Biotics and other data and reflect the environmental review, and approval processes required within your jurisdiction. Contact Elyzabeth Earnley if you are interested in setting up an ERT system for your jurisdiction. For questions about your invoice contact Yukie Shiromizu at: ar@natureserve.org.    

NatureServe Fee Structure for FY 2025 – FY 2026  

Below are Membership Dues pricing information for the next four fiscal years, and the new NatureServe Software, Information, and Support Services fee structure, which took effect July 1, 2024, including pricing for the next three fiscal years. We will update member programs with a schedule for fee increases for FY 2027 and subsequent years during the summer of 2025, once we know the updated costs for hosting Biotics on AWS. As with Membership Dues, NatureServe offers different levels of pricing and benefits for Software, Information, and Support Services and expects that all network member programs will contribute for basic information and support services plus Biotics software according to their usage level.

Member Fee Categories* FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027
Software, Information, and Support Services
Basic Information & Support Services** $5,000 $7,000 $8,000 TBD
Information & Support plus Standard Biotics $16,000 $18,000 $20,000 TBD
Information & Support plus High Usage Biotics*** N/A $20,000 $25,000 TBD
Membership Dues
Basic Dues $2,000 $2,000 $2,100 $2,100
Leadership Dues $3,000 $3,000 $3,150 $3,150
Sustaining Dues $5,000 $5,000 $5,250 $5,250

*Membership Dues and Software, Information, and Support Services fees can be combined or invoiced separately as needed. 

**This category is available to non-Biotics programs and includes Biotics Tracker software to ensure cost effective data exchanges between NatureServe and all programs. 

***High Usage Biotics is a higher priced tier of software service available for programs with larger storage and/or 24x7 service availability requirements. 

Checklist for New Employees

ItemAction
Access to BioticsEmail  biotics@natureserve.org, or have current Biotics user in your program make you the administrator of your program’s Biotics system.
Access to Range-Wide EO and Model Data in Explorer Pro Register on Explorer PRO, and email datasupport@natureserve.org for access to Network Program User Group.
Update the Data Provider Portal (DPP) Email biotics@natureserve.org to get added as a DPP administrator or work directly with your program’s DPP administrator.
Attend Network Calls See list of NatureServe Network Program calls, and email shara_howie@natureserve.org to be added to the invitation list. 
Receive Updates on Invoices Due or Credits Available Email Yukie Shiromizu at: ar@natureserve.org.
Update your contact information in Network Directory Email nicole_iturralde@natureserve.org, or follow “Instructions for Updating the Network Directory” above.
Other Questions or Suggestions?Email shara_howie@natureserve.org.  
Also see full list of NatureServe staff, board members, U.S. Section Councils, and NatureServe Canada Board of Directors here: Who We Are | NatureServe