Scott Jackson

Scott Jackson is Extension Professor in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and extension work focused on wetlands ecology, amphibian and reptile conservation, wildlife connectivity, and climate adaptation. He leads key initiatives including the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC), the Massachusetts Wildlife Climate Action Tool, and the Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS). He is affiliated with the Landscape Ecology Lab, the Northeast Climate Science Center, the UMass Transportation Center, and is a Fellow of UMass Air.

Research Interests: His work centers on the ecology and breeding biology of amphibians, vernal pool dynamics, wetland assessment, and the impacts of roads and highways on wildlife. He develops landscape-based tools for ecological integrity and connectivity, with a strong emphasis on practical applications for conservation decision-making. His research integrates field surveys with modeling to support policy and on-the-ground management.

The recent publications reflect a strong focus on transportation ecology, wetland monitoring, climate adaptation, and conservation planning. Key themes include improving aquatic organism passage through better culvert and bridge design, developing assessment protocols, and creating decision-support tools for practitioners. The work spans both non-tidal and tidal systems and emphasizes regional collaboration and data standardization.

Scientific Awards and Affiliations:

• Fellow, UMass Air (Unmanned Aerial Systems Research Program)
• Affiliate, Northeast Climate Science Center
• Affiliate, UMass Transportation Center
• Chair, Whately Conservation Commission

Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, Scott Jackson leads and collaborates on multiple federally and state-funded projects, including those supported by the EPA, USGS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Massachusetts state agencies. He has secured grants for wetlands monitoring, climate adaptation tools, and wildlife passage research. His extension role emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders such as conservation commissions, transportation departments, and non-profits.

Labs and Teams: He is a principal member of the Landscape Ecology Lab at UMass Amherst and leads the NAACC, a multi-state network involving universities, NGOs, and government agencies. He co-developed CAPS and Critical Linkages, which involve interdisciplinary teams using GIS, modeling, and field data to support conservation prioritization and connectivity planning.