The word is out officially, now: SoilTemp has finished its transformation into 'The MEB-network' - a fully-fledged research network that goes far beyond just being a database. Let me show you all the ways you can get involved here: the3dlab.org/2025/05/31/soi…

🚨 To all #microclimate aficionados, this is a major update of the #SoilTemp initiative which has just metamorphosed into the beautiful #MEB network for #microclimate #ecology & #biogeography #network The #SoilTemp initiative 🐛 turns to #MEB network 🦋 ⬇️ Check it out ⬇️

Great class idea: a Bioblitz! Nearly 400 first-year biology students at Utrecht University recorded 1100+ species on campus in just one month. A hands-on crash course in ecology, conservation & fieldwork — and yes, it was a lot of fun. Blog here 👇 the3dlab.org/2025/06/17/an-…

We're kicking off a new EcoFracNet study, exploring how biodiversity varies across agricultural landscapes. As such an integral part of our landscape, it’s essential to understand at what scales biodiversity patterns play out on our farms! the3dlab.org/2025/06/21/eco…

Bog appreciation post! We have started an #EcoFracNet site in the Fochteloerveen, one of the Netherlands' last remaining active raised bogs and a landscape that truly absorbs you. Throwback photo shoot from end of April, when summer was still far away : the3dlab.org/2025/06/28/boo…

Thinking of joining EcoFracNet or MicroFracNet? Now’s a great time - we can finally offer you free second-hand TOMST TMS4 sensors to support your fieldwork! 🛰️ Limited sensors available, so act fast. 📍 Details + how to join: the3dlab.org/2025/07/04/joi… Will Pearse

SERVICE MESSAGE: The MEB-network is cleaning out its mailing list! If you did not receive todays' email but would want to receive cool microclimate updates, please sign up here! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

A forest, a heatland/raised bog, a farm, two school yards and the university campus, our own data collecting for #EcoFracNet has been very successful so far! Now awaiting data from all over the world - all still welcome to join! the3dlab.org/2025/02/10/mic…

Climate change hits fast and erratic, through extremes, not slow trends. In our new TREE paper (led by Lydia Soifer), we discuss what's needed for us to deal with the resulting unpredictable range shifts. Summary: the3dlab.org/2025/07/20/ext… Paper: sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

JL: ‘we call for a different lens: from “microclimate” to “microweather.” From gradual trends to abrupt shocks. From averages to outliers.’

We suspected it: soil microbes don’t care much about our neat climate gradients. 🌱🦠 Across 7 Chinese mountains, their biogeography is messy - but not without patterns. I unpack it here 👉 the3dlab.org/2025/08/05/soi… Paper by Kunwei Wang et al. in GEB 👉 authorservices.wiley.com/api/pdf/fullAr…

Seen loads of monocultures on our #EcoFracNet trips across the Netherlands — but not all are the same. One even hosted a rare, shiny green surprise! 🐸💚 Where in the country do you think the highest plant diversity hides? Suggestions welcome! 👉 the3dlab.org/2025/08/11/mon…