Field and Forest Stations of the Intermountain West
Tour Description
Biological field stations and experimental forests conduct significant long-term ecological research, provide important unbiased scientific research, and evaluate key environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and threatened wildlife habitats. They are often affiliated with universities, National Parks and Monuments, and the U.S Forest Service. Stations often vary in size and specific missions. Aquatic and agricultural research that takes scientists out of the classroom and laboratories to conduct hands-on research in biology, botany, ornithology, ichthyology, limnology, and entomology. Experimental forests dedicate their work to evaluating forest management options, forest and vegetation growth and development, as well as characteristics of various wildlife. Stations and forests also often invest in the next generation of scientists by training students from the undergraduate to doctoral level to observe natural processes, develop hypothesis, and learn to critically contemplate environmental concerns. Many also develop and provide educational outreach programs for the public and for K-12 schools in order to engage their communities in the importance of ecological studies.
Locations for Tour
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Manitou Experimental Forest
Fort Valley Experimental Forest Station
Flathead Lake Biological Station
Capitol Reef Field Station
Tour Postscript
Organization of Biological Field Stations. “What are Field Stations?” https://obfst.memberclicks.net/ (accessed April 5, 2019).United States Department of Agriculture. “Experimental Forests.” https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/ef/ (accessed April 5, 2019).