MICHIGAN—Hydrologic experimental forests and ranges—or HydroEFRs—have provided decades of foundational research on the nation’s water resources and helped advance the careers of women. These women have served as research-grade scientists, technicians, students and interns. They have pioneered discoveries, engaged in field work, headed labs and authored over 3,000 publications since 1977—which have been cited over 170,000 times. And as global water crises intensify, the nation faces a growing need for a strong, diverse hydrological sciences workforce and expanded research locations.

To highlight trends and needs in the hydrological sciences, a group of women scientists with the Forest Service published a study, titled “Perspectives on the contributions of women to the hydrologic sciences and their changing demographics at USDA Forest Service Experimental Forests and Ranges,” in the June 2023 Journal of Hydrology, a special journal issue on Women in Hydrology.

Study authors found that women past and present have significantly contributed to hydrologic fieldwork and advancements. They also stewarded long-term data and built HydroEFR social networks through teamwork and mentoring. But employment records from 1992 to 2021 indicate women have been and still are underrepresented at these locations—despite a slight increase in proportional representation over the past 25 years.

Co-authors Lindsey Rustad (Northern Research Station), Mary Beth Adams (emeritus, Northern Research Station), Salli Dymond (Northern Arizona University, formerly with Pacific Southwest Research Station), Margaret Gregory (Knowledge Management and Communications), and Chelcy Miniat (Rocky Mountain Research Station) focused the study on 31 experimental forests and ranges with hydrologic research programs.