Research at the KU Field Station

The KU Field Station welcomes researchers in the natural sciences from anywhere in the world. In addition, the Field Station is open for study in any area of the arts and sciences, humanities, fine arts and professional schools at KU and other institutions of learning. We encourage use of the Field Station for cross-disciplinary study.

Scientists working here conduct a broad range of research in ecological and environmental science, studies of behavior, physiology, morphology, reproductive biology, pollination, genetics, predator-prey interactions, host-pathogen relationships, habitat requirements, and community and landscape ecology. Likewise, research is ongoing on the physical environment—soil, air and water—including the relationships between organisms and ecosystems with resources (nutrients and water) and pollutants.

To review the breadth of research conducted here, visit our lists of publications and research grants on the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research website and choose the filter for the KU Field Station along with keywords, researcher names, or dates.

Funds for research and development at the Field Station come from KU and multiple other sources. Field Station scientists are highly successful in obtaining research grants from institutions including the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas agencies and the private sector.

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Research facilities and supportView as gallery page

The KU Field Station, open to scholars everywhere, covers a variety of native and historically altered habitats across three large sites, with a full range of indoor and outdoor lab areas, plus comfortable accommodations for researcher stays. Our 1,650-acre core research area, just 20 minutes from main campus, is open to the entire KU community for study in the sciences, arts, humanities and professional schools. Click the link on each photo for more information.

Aerial view of central facilities area of field station including buildings, reservoirs and managed terrestrial plots

Core research area

A centralized facilities complex on 1,650 acres of surrounding lands just minutes from campus

Ecological setting

Native prairie and forest lands, and a variety of managed land and historically altered habitats

Our field reserves

The KU Field Station is made up of 11 distinct reserves in three different areas, all within an hour's drive of the City of Lawrence.

Explore each reserve