10,000 Years Institute's expertise and interests cover a wide range of subject areas and habitat types. Most of our projects are focused on aquatic and estuarine ecosystems and their interactions with adjacent terrestrial habitats. Often our work is at the intersection of human activity and the natural world. When chemical contaminants are released into the environment, we help quantify the extent of the problem in receiving ecosystems. In the event of timber harvest or urban growth, we investigate and characterize ways to minimize negative effects. We also create tools for monitoring ecosystems that are directed at specific values, functions or services provided by the affected ecosystem. Please browse the examples of our work to best understand our scope and approach.