Women in prairie with wildflowers

Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research

Our vision: To lead scientific discovery that fosters broad appreciation of the vital interactions between humans and the environment.

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Research programs and services

People wearing hats working in field

Terrestrial ecosystems

Our group of labs focusing on terrestrial ecosystems research
Terrestrial ecosystems labs
Researcher working in a stream bed

Aquatic ecosystems

Our group of labs focusing on aquatic ecosystems research
Aquatic ecosystems labs
Portion of KARS Green Report map showing varying vegetation across Midwest

Geospatial research

Environmental and ag applications of remote sensing technology, with interactive maps
KARS Geoplatform website

Research programs and services line 2

Five people smiling at camera in boat on lake

Aquatic assessment

Our group of labs focusing on the health of our region's streams and reservoirs
Aquatic assessment labs
Purple prairie clover in meadow with woman walking in background

Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory

The Kansas representative for NatureServe, which tracks North American biodiversity
Heritage Inventory information
Monarch butterflies on shrub

Monarch Watch

KU's internationally known research, education and monarch butterfly tracking program
Contact Monarch Watch
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The KU Field Station

In addition to our focus on terrestrial, aquatic and geospatial research, we manage the University's biological field station. Founded in 1947, the KU Field Station has grown to 3,200 acres across three sites and welcomes all researchers. The 1,650-acre core research area, just 20 minutes from main campus, is open the entire KU community for study in any subject and includes five miles of public trails.

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Our impact in 2024

Economic
Employment at at our research center contributed 202 jobs; $5.4 million in labor income; and $6 million in value added to the Kansas economy. This resulted in $1.3 million in tax revenue, including $250,000 in revenue for the state of Kansas.
Research
Our scientists carried out 73 active research projects that totaled $16.2 million in active funding to KU. Their work addresses the long-term viability of natural ecosystems and agricultural land, clean water, reservoir health, emergency preparedness and more.
Outreach
Our researchers and staff led 44 unique outreach events, in addition to 34 community events held through KU Field Station public programming, with 2,000 total participants. We also took part in 16 external events in Kansas with 3,100 total attendees.
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Summer Institute for teachers

The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is an immersive three-day program that empowers and inspires middle school science teachers through hands-on learning. Application deadline for 2025 is April 30.

Learn more & apply

Young researchers gathered around a table of plants in greenhouse

Donate

Want to support ecological research, teaching and outreach? Make an unrestricted donation or choose your area of giving. Give online or get in touch.

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Quick links, frequent contacts & service centers

Friday Ecology Seminars

We host weekly seminars, open to the public, during the spring and fall terms. Join the mailing list for notifications and reminders of upcoming seminars. See our current schedule and visit our YouTube channel for video recordings of talks.

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Upcoming & previous talks

News

Artistic cutaway of showing soil line, plants and underground roots

Why scientists are enlisting fungi to save endangered plants

The mycorrhizae that live among and in plant roots can boost the health of certain species, and even whole ecosystems — but scientists warn against a one-size-fits-all approach.
Map showing North American migration routes of monarch butterflies.

The U.S. could protect monarch butterflies as a threatened species

The monarch butterfly population continues to shrink due to factors such as climate change. People working to help the species say proposed federal protections could boost existing efforts.
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Flames on forest floor with dry leaves and bare trunks of trees

Burning Rice Woodland

In this podcast by the Kansas Forest Service, Sheena Parsons, manager of the KU Field Station, discusses the prescribed burn of the Rice Woodland tract with EJ Jamison, Northeast Rural District forester, and Bryce Haverkamp, Northeast District fire management officer.
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Stay up to date with our research & activities

Understanding Our Environment is a quarterly newsletter celebrating the discoveries and activities of the scientists, staff, students and colleagues of the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research—as well as happenings at the University of Kansas Field Station.
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Events

Resources for our researchers, staff & students

The full page of resources includes information and contacts on a wide of variety of office procedures, as well as KU contacts. Two direct links are provided here to help you get contact information quickly in urgent situations.

Resources page