Rules, fees and applications for use

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All users must have prior written approval and complete a site orientation. Researchers, team leaders and instructors are responsible for ensuring that all project personnel or participants receive a site orientation. In addition, all personnel must follow the rules listed below.

  • No smoking or pets allowed under any circumstances.
  • Do not make unauthorized collections or unnecessarily disturb the natural landscape.
  • Park only at designated sites either along the county roadways or within the confines of the Field Station.
  • Do not wander onto areas other than your designated site. Specifically avoid research sites of others.
  • Obtain approval of materials for marking all grids, transects or locations. Label all such materials with your name or initials.
  • Clean up your site when your project is complete.
  • Do not return to the area after the expiration date of your project without again obtaining permission.
  • Appropriate safety precautions must be used when working in aquatic environments (e.g., Cross Reservoir, ponds or tanks). Wearing of personal flotation devices and working with partners is highly recommended.
  • Use common sense when working on Field Station lands and facilities, and report any problems or concerns immediately.

The University of Kansas Field Station is committed to a maintaining a safe, supportive and vibrant environment to foster research, education and community engagement at all field station properties and facilities. All users of the field station, including employees, researchers, students, educators and visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and to treat each other with respect. In addition to compliance with University of Kansas policies, all users of the field station must adhere to the following code of conduct.

Expected behavior:

I will act ethically and with integrity.

I will be welcoming and inclusive of all people and work to foster a fair and equitable work environment.

I will be conscious of the well-being and safety of others and will intervene when a person’s health and safety is threatened.

I will be considerate of diverse backgrounds and value individual experiences that shape individual views and opinions.

I will use KU Field Station property, equipment and resources in a responsible manner.

Research project applicants must agree to abide by the rules outlined below, as well as any special conditions set forth for the individual project.

  • Complete a site orientation prior to field work (includes all project personnel).
  • Consider that uncontrolled or unforeseen events (e.g., extreme climatic conditions, wildfires, vandalism, or human error) are a part of working in the field environment and should be assessed in project design.
  • Request permission for changes in project design or location.
  • Receive approval for research with vertebrate animals from the University of Kansas Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
  • Receive approval from the University of Kansas’ Environmental Health and Safety Department for use and disposal of all hazardous materials (chemical, biological, or physical agents), and for complying with occupational health and safety guidelines.
  • Obtain any and all special permits and authorizations, and provide notifications and reports as necessary to other entities.
  • Complete negotiation of user fees with the KU Field Station director.
  • Include the following sentence in all publications and other communications: "The study was conducted at and supported by the University of Kansas Field Station, a research unit of the Kansas Biological Survey.”
  • Provide the KU Field Station with a copy of any written report, a summary of any thesis or dissertation, and any publications.

FAILURE TO ABIDE BY CONDITIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT CAN RESULT IN REVOCATION OF USE PRIVILEGES.

The KU Field Station offers significant opportunities for environmental research, teaching and outreach. Diverse natural ecosystems, managed habitats, experimental facilities, laboratories, classrooms, meeting rooms and limited accommodations are available to individuals and groups whose activities are consistent with the Field Station’s mission.

The Field Station is administered and managed by the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research at KU. Most lands in the Field Station system are owned by the KU Endowment Association, and operation and maintenance is supported principally by KU, the research center and user fees. The Field Station, in some circumstances, may provide support to persons or groups lacking funds to pay user fees. For questions related to research use, including use of the Armitage Center and cabins, as well as non-research use (such as KU department retreats or class visits), contact Sheena Parsons (785-864-6070, sheenap@ku.edu).

Special notes:

  • Fees for site use, facilities, equipment, staff time, the Armitage Center and housing should be included in grant proposals.
  • Researchers are required to consult with Field Station personnel before submitting a proposal involving the KU Field Station.
  • All requests for use must be made at least two weeks in advance. Fees and availability of facilities are subject to change.

Fees

User fees are less for KU personnel or projects (when funding has been subjected to KU Facilities & Administration) than for external users. Fees for use are presented in three tiers below in this format:  KU rate/Non-KU academic rate/External user rate. For information on event use of the Armitage Education Center, see the bottom of this page.

Research use

Research site use: $15/$21/$45 per person per day. Fees are assessed for each student, faculty member, staff member and any others on site for research purposes.

Laboratory space: $17/$24/$51 per day

Greenhouse space: $17/$24/$51 per day

Experimental ponds: $6/$8/$18 per day

Fiberglass tanks: $4/$6/$12 per day

Soil steam cart: $13/$18/$39 per day

ATV: $44/$61/$132 per day

On-site use only. Water/fire rig available on some units. Tractor: $123/$171/$369 per hour. Fee includes operator and attachments (tiller/disk/mower/backhoe/forks/etc.)

Use of field staff assistance: $61/$85/$183 per hour. Fee may be assessed for equipment operation, project implementation, project maintenance, consultation or other services.

Sleeping cabins for researchers staying on site: $23/$32/$69 per person per night. There are two small one-room cabins (A, with two beds; B, with four beds) with air-conditioning and heating units. Fee includes bed and access to full kitchen, sitting room, showers/restrooms and laundry in the Armitage Center.

Education and other group use

Site visit: $86/$119/$258 per class/group visit

Class/course visits, private tours or event use

Armitage Education Center: $127/$176/$381 per day. The Armitage Center includes a 550-square-foot meeting space with modular tables and seating (accommodates up to 50 people), an adjoining 325-square-foot entry room and a 250-square-foot kitchen with a small shaded porch and adjacent lawn area. Laboratory facilities may also be made available upon request, although subject to availability and an additional fee. Charges may be waived for short-term use of the Armitage Center in support of classes, field trips and events, but must be scheduled in advance.

Camping: $9/$12/$27 per day