Leigh Welling Appointed To Oversee National Park Service's Climate Change Response Program

Dr. Leigh Welling, who for some time has worked on climate change issues for the National Park Service, has been appointed to oversee the agency's Climate Change Response Program.

“Dr. Welling is a proven leader who has devoted her career to climate science and education,” Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said in announcing the appointment. “In this new job she will be responsible for work with a wide range of partners to develop a cross-cutting approach to climate change.

“With 25 years of field research and university experience we look to Leigh to continue to push us to expand our scientific knowledge about climate change and its effects on the National Park System,” the director added. “Leigh will also take a prominent role in the effort to reduce our carbon emissions and engage communities in learning and stewardship activities.”

The National Park Service Climate Change Response Program was created after Congress appropriated $10 million for climate science, monitoring, and adaptation efforts in national parks in the 2010 fiscal year. The program provides training and technical expertise, project funding, and educational products that support our actions to preserve the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system. It is part of a $133 million congressional appropriation for the Department of the Interior climate change program.

“The National Park Service program will guide and implement initiatives and actions around four integrated components – science, mitigation, adaptation, and communication. As we approach the difficult decisions that must be made to protect the nation’s treasured resources, we will continue to apply the best available science,” said Dr. Bert Frost, the agency's associate director for Natural Resources Stewardship and Science.

Dr. Welling started her climate science work as a student in the classrooms and laboratories of the University of Colorado, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in geology. She later attended graduate school and conducted field research at Oregon State University where she received her MS and PhD in oceanography. She spent six years as a research professional and educator at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of North Dakota.

She joined the National Park Service in 2003.