South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center

An Update from the South Central CASC:

As we embark on 2026, we wanted to provide an update on our current status. At this time, the South Central CASC is still at minimal operations while we wait for the approval of our base funding.

We appreciate the support we have received from you, and we will continue to do as much as possible in our region to support the ongoing National CASC mission.

Some activities will continue as planned for this year, thanks to collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and institutions. For example, we are pleased to once again offer scholarships for study abroad participants and DGES students at the University of Oklahoma.

– The South Central CASC team 1/20/2026

"Lost funding for Climate Adaptation Science Centers put the brakes on science that supports local communities."

Check out this recent article discussing examples of projects in the 3 CASC regions where funding has been blocked and see why resource managers are speaking up!

https://theconversation.com/from-invasive-species-tracking-to-water-security-whats-lost-with-federal-funding-cuts-at-us-climate-adaptation-science-centers-269908

The South Central Climate Resilience Forum is focused on fostering meaningful dialogue on climate resilience and adaptation across Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Join us in San Antonio, TX on April 15-17, 2026, to learn about climate-related challenges, actions, and solutions happening across the region. 🏡

Are you interested in presenting your work, organizing a symposium, or holding an interactive workshop? The Call for Presentations is now open! Visit sccrf.org to read the Call for Presentations and submit your ideas by October 31st! 💭 ⌛ 🗓️

Check out all the fantastic work showcased at last year's forum here: sccrf.org/2024-forum.

Check out this article in the Washington Post talking a little more about what is happening with our center.

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Beginning October 1, 2025, the South Central CASC will fully transition to minimal operations until such time when the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) approves our FY25 funding. Without our base funding, we will be unable to participate or lead any new projects, programs, or services. Existing efforts may also be paused or reduced in scope until we receive our funding, which is currently being withheld by DOI and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for our CASC and the two other regional CASCs. Although the FY26 House and Senate budget markups emphasize the bipartisan and bicameral support for the CASC network going forward, our full-year funding is unavailable for CASC students, staff, and faculty; engagement activities with Tribes and resource managers; travel and workshops; communication products; and administration. Projects funded through other sources (e.g., BIA, NSF, NOAA) will continue. Please ask your Tribal Liaison or CASC project manager/member how your project may be affected.

Learn more on our website: https://southcentralclimate.org/news-events/news/ -Notice

SciWriSpotlight: Meeting the moment All interested professionals and students are invited to register for the upcoming, free webinar “Meeting the Moment: Communicating the importance of university research during challenging times” scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Monarch Migration is moving closer to our region! Be on the lookout soon 🦋

🦋 Monarch Migration Update – They're Almost Here! 🦋

📍 Claflin, KS – 500 monarchs roosting on 9/21/25
📍 Hesston, KS – 30 monarchs roosting on 9/23/25

The monarchs are on the move and nearing Oklahoma! 🍁
🔭Keep your eyes on the skies — these iconic travelers could arrive any day now!

📸 Seen monarchs?
Don't forget to report your sightings to:
👉 https://journeynorth.org/monarchs
Your data helps track their incredible journey south.

Bird migration is in full swing across our region!

Check out this great new tool!

NIDIS Launches Mississippi River Dashboard to Support Drought Resilience Across the Basin | September 17, 2025 | Drought.gov Actionable, user-friendly, and reliable information is essential for risk-informed decision-making across the Mississippi River Basin. In response to impacts of drought in the region, NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) built a Mississippi River Basin Drought and Water Da...

Join us for our last webinar in our Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Insights Across Coasts Series!

To learn more and register, please visit the following link:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2098409594932315478

Save the date!! November 17-18th will be CCRRIA's annual conference!

To learn more, please visit the following link:
https://www.utrgv.edu/ccrria/