Network Directory

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! 

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

• Overview of the NatureServe Network & Link to Network Directory: The NatureServe Network

• List of NatureServe staff and Board Members: Who's Who at NatureServe

• StoryMap of Our Impact: Our Impact

• Overview of our Focus: Our Work

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.  

• There is a Tutorial available in the Biotics Pilot system (login credentials can be found in the file attached to here). 

• There are Biotics Training Webinars on various topics, according to your needs. 

• Contact Whitney Weber by emailing biotics@natureserve.org to set up a customized training for your program. 

• Pre-recorded online training modules are available here: NatureServe Core Methodology | NatureServe 

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.  

• There are two methodology documents and an excel rank assessment tool available for download. 

• 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. 

• A new Online training module and live online sessions will be available here: NatureServe Core Methodology | NatureServe 

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.  

• There are lots of useful documents in the US Section SharePoint Drive: US Section Council - Home including: 
  • Document on working relationship & commitments between NatureServe and the Network: NatureServe Network Commitment_Final.pdf 
  • Network Categories: NatureServe Membership Overview 2024.docx 
  • Section Council Meeting Minutes: https://natureserve01.sharepoint.com/teamsites/US_Sect_Council/Meeting%20Minutes/Forms/AllItems.aspx 
  • Regional Calls & Meetings: 05. Regional Meetings 
  • Network Health Surveys: 06. Network Health Assessments 
  • Historical Documents: 09. Network History 
• Also sign up to participate in network-focused communities and team sites here: Network Communities - Home, Team Sites - Home 

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.  
  • Timing/Format: First Wednesday of each month @1pm eastern. Every other month is a 90 minute call, and other months are 30 minutes calls. Email shara_howie@natureserve.org or contact your Section representatives (Member_terms 2000 - Current (Authoritative).xlsx) to suggest a topic for these calls, or provide other input on improving these calls. Ideas welcome! 
• 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.  
  • Timing/Format: Variable, Email shara_howie@natureserve.org or your Section representatives (Member_terms 2000 - Current (Authoritative).xlsx) to be added to these calls 
• 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. 
  • Timing/Format: Quarterly (May, August, November, Feb) @ 3pm eastern, email diana_soteropoulos@natureserve.org to be added to this call, or suggest agenda items.   
• 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) 
  • Contact your section’s regional representative to get information on other regional calls (Member_terms 2000 - Current (Authoritative).xlsx) 
• 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 

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.

*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.