The Ecological Research Center will serve as a research and advisory unit to the community. The Center will assist in identifying potential ecology-related problems and develop avenues for resolution. Ensuring ecologically sound planning and development within the urban environment is the most vital goal of the Center. The Center plans a proactive effort to meet community needs while considering the concerns of all stakeholders.

Overall, programs developed by the Center benefit the residents of Memphis, the Mid-South, and the global community by assessing issues that explore and improve the quality of life for every individual. The Center’s new initiative, The Program in Urban Ecology, represents an opportunity for the University of Memphis to be a force in the Ecological Age, and in so doing, provides a model for others to follow regionally and worldwide.