Nature's ecosystems are deeply interconnected—forests provide nutrients to lakes, while lakes support animals like birds with food. However, we know little about how these systems influence each other or what happens when one changes. TRACE (Trait Responses Across Connected Ecosystems) explores the hidden links between forests and lakes by studying how species' traits—like survival strategies, movement, and competition—shape these connections. In Finland's Evo region, TRACE will examine 15 lakes to understand how forests and lakes exchange energy, nutrients, and species. From plankton carried by snow and wind to birds feeding on insects with aquatic life stages, TRACE uncovers how traits ripple through food webs. By revealing these connections, the project will improve conservation strategies and highlight the importance of protecting nature's interwoven systems in a changing world.

2025

2029