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.
Research programs and services
Terrestrial ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems
Geospatial research
Research programs and services line 2
Aquatic assessment
Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory
Monarch Watch
The KU Field Station
In addition to our focus on terrestrial, aquatic and geospatial research, we manage the University's field station. Founded in 1947, the KU Field Station has grown to 3,300 acres across three sites and is open to researchers everywhere. Just 20 minutes from main campus, the 1,650-acre core research area is open to the entire KU community for study in any subject.
Learn more
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.Research highlights
Annual Report 2022
In 2022, our researchers rebounded with more than $15M in active awards, growth in our research community, expansion of our facilities, a significant rise in our outreach activities, and planning to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Through our report, we share statistics, stories and photos.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.
Upcoming & previous talks
Quick links, frequent contacts & service centers
- Contact
- Make a gift
- Media inquiries
- KU Field Station nature trails
- KU Field Station public programs
- Reserve the Armitage Center
- Central Plains Center for BioAssessment
- INVAM (arbuscular mychorrizal fungi)
- Invertebrate Zoology Lab
- Kansas Applied Remote Sensing (web maps)
- KansasView website
- Lake assessment & Harmful Algal Blooms
- Mapping Kansas Ecosystems (StoryMap)
- Monarch Watch
- Native Medicinal Plant Garden
- Prairie Park prairie monitoring project
- Rare species data & project reviews
- Resources for our researchers, staff & students
- Soil Analyses Service Center
News
For Van Go apprentice artist Barack Bennett-Robinson, drawing from emotion is part of making meaningful art. Bennett-Robinson created a bench for local conservation organization Monarch Watch. The bench memorializes Sarah Schmidt, who had worked at Monarch Watch for several years. Sarah, her…
Around 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. But that is not the only water source where plastic represents a significant intrusion. “We found microplastics in every lake we sampled,” said Ted Harris, associate research professor at the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for…
Monarch Watch founder Chip Taylor is interviewed in this Flatland KC story about a new study that he endorses.
Monitoring Prairie Park prairie
In May 2023, four KU ecologists began a year-long study to monitor of the Prairie Park prairie remnant, following the accidental broadcast spraying there by the City of Lawrence. We will post updates on the project, along with photos, here.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.