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 and services

People wearing hats working in field

Ecosystems research

Our group of labs focusing on a wide range of ecosystems research in Kansas and beyond
Ecosystems labs
Cone-shaped soil sample with person's hands in plastic gloves holding knife to take smaller sample from cone

INVAM collection

The world's largest living collection of important symbiotic microbes
INVAM website
Monarch butterflies on shrub

Monarch Watch

KU's internationally known research, education and monarch butterfly tracking program
Monarch Watch website

Kansas Biological Survey programs

Researcher wearing gloves sits beside algae-green lake and dips hand into water

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
Portion of KARS Green Report map showing varying vegetation across Midwest

Kansas Applied Remote Sensing

Environmental and ag applications of remote sensing technology, with interactive maps
KARS website
Aerial view of greenhouses

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 65 active research projects that totaled $17 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 50 unique outreach events, in addition to 33 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.
Yellow silflower blooming in greenhouse-like structure with researchers in background

2024 Annual Report

With $17 million in funding in 2024, our researchers worked to enhance soil health, understand what drives harmful algal blooms, assist the state with flood emergency preparedness, predict future ecosystems based on current grasslands and forests, and more.

See the report

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

Person in yellow fire-resistant jacket driving all-terrain vehicle at prescribed burn site in field, with the words in graphics, "Unsung hero, Kayla Dye, Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research."

Facility manager’s proactive approach improves research

For biologists to do their work, they need equipment in the field and lab space to process samples they acquire. Kayla Dye ensures equipment and spaces like these are suitable for University of Kansas researchers.
Arial photo of flooding in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 2007.

Researchers at KU launch new Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard

The Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard uses stream gauge data from the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, among other sources, along with the terrain-based FLDPLN (“Floodplain”) model developed at the University of Kansas. The tool will aid emergency managers across the state as well as the public.
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Two monarch butterflies on twig

Feds put off tough ESA decision on monarch butterfly

Monarch Watch Director Kristen Baum is interviewed in this follow-up story posted one year after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
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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 on a wide of variety of office procedures, as well as KU contacts. Two direct links are provided here to help you find contact information quickly in urgent situations.

Resources page