The Virtual Field: From inertia to inclusion

Claudia Luke, Center For Environmental Inquiry, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, Hilary Swain, Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL, Sarah Oktay, Natural Reserve System, UC Davis, Davis, CA and Kari O'Connell, STEM Research Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Within a week of the pandemic closures, members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations started a grassroots effort to create and distribute virtual field experiences to faculty and students across the U.S. While the initiative started as a way to mitigate the loss of field trips, the network quickly realized the potential of a virtual platform to expand access of underrepresented groups. The story of The Virtual Field network illustrates the power of networks to respond to emergencies, break down inertia, and ultimately realize their potential to create access and inclusion.