Whether you’re already knee-deep in site planning for EcoFracNet or MicroFracnet, or just hearing about it for the first time, we’ve got some exciting news to share—and maybe even a little incentive to get involved.

Wait, what is EcoFracNet again?

Great question. EcoFracNet is a growing international network of field ecologists working together to explore how biodiversity varies across spatial scales using a fractal monitoring design. Alongside it runs MicroFracNet, its microscale-focused sibling, adding more hierarchical levels into the mix. You can read more and see the recent call for participation here: MicroFracNet | The 3D lab.

We’re doing this all bottom-up: no big funding yet, just shared enthusiasm and a commitment to doing robust, comparable science across diverse ecosystems.

A bonus for current and future collaborators

Although we’re still running both networks without external funding, you may be lucky. We’ve secured a batch of second-hand TOMST TMS4 sensors – those awesome little mushrooms that log soil temperature, moisture, and air temp just above the ground. And we’d love to share them with you.

We can lend up to 7 sensors per participating region, free of charge (until we run out, of course). Whether you’ve already joined the network or are still deciding, this could be a perfect way to get started.

A few important notes:

• No TMD adapters included – We don’t have spares, so you’ll either need to buy one from TOMST for data download or send the sensors back to us after a year so we can extract the data for you.
• Shipping – We can ship the sensors to you, but depending on where you are, it might be easier to coordinate through someone traveling to and from Belgium or the Netherlands. We’ll do our best to make it work!
• Sensor quality – These are second-hand but should still have a couple of good years left. We can’t promise anything beyond that – but hey, free sensors.
• Site setup map required – Before we send anything, we’ll need a clear map of your EcoFracNet setup (e.g., using Google My Maps). Use this example format:
  Blue = vegetation monitoring only
  Green = vegetation + sensor installation
  Red = no monitoring
  (Example Map from an agricultural field site in the Netherlands)
  
• Timeline – With summer holidays and slow logistics, shipping will take a little time.

Long-term vision

Remember, this isn’t just a one-off field season. EcoFracNet and MicroFracNet are being designed as long-term monitoring projects, with hopes of regular resurveys and extra measurements added in over time. The more consistent we are across sites, the more powerful the dataset becomes.

Ready to join in?

If you’re interested in borrowing sensors (or joining the network in general), please send us:

• Your overview map (see above)
• Your full shipping address
• Your email + phone number

And yes, feel free to forward this to colleagues who might be curious or looking for an excuse to set up some long-term plots.

Haven’t signed up to the network yet? Do so here!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Jonas and Will – for the EcoFracNet team