KU Field Station 2025

Three students, two in blue coveralls and one in white coveralls, measure plant material in a forest and write notes on clipboards.

On-the-ground research

From 2018 through 2025, KU students worked with Clinton Wildlife Area biologists in Lawrence to study the effect of deer density on the forest around the reservoir; they compared the results with those of ongoing deer density studies at the KU Field Station.

During the 2025 season, researchers from the natural sciences, engineering, geography, art and other fields used the KU Field Station as a study site. Projects included plant-pathogen dynamics, plant-microbial interactions, fire dynamics, woody encroachment, seed mast dynamics, and plant and animal populations, and community dynamics.  

The number of active research projects at the Field Station varies annually and includes many long-term studies, some requiring extensive infrastructure. In 2025, 39 projects were active, engaging 55 researchers from 11 different research units or departments across KU, and five external institutions, agencies and organizations. Participants included:

  • faculty (18 KU, six external);
  • staff (seven KU, one external);
  • postdoctoral researchers (three KU);
  • graduate students (13 KU, three external);
  • undergraduate students (two KU two external); 
  • student interns engaged in our research community (14 KU, two external).

In addition, a team of research technicians from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), of which the Field Station is part, continued regular visits to monitor species and atmospheric conditions.

Public programming included nine Science Sundays talks with a total attendance of 291, plus 14 community programs that drew 512 participants. KU classes and groups brought 69 students, and seven external groups brought 302 visitors to the Field Station, Staff members also had booths or otherwise took part at 13 external public events.  

Ten middle school science teachers participated in the annual Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute, held in June at the Field Station. Researchers and graduate students from the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, along with educators from Kansas state agencies, led lessons and activities. Spring and fall tours also took place at the Baldwin Woods Forest Preserve and the KU Native Medicinal Plant Research Garden.  

Field Station staff also made site preparations and planned several public events as part of the 2026 opening of a new public trail at the Rice Woodland tract of the Baldwin Woods Forest Preserve.

The Field Station's Armitage Education Center was open for retreats and planning sessions for KU faculty and staff. The public trail system and the KU Native Medicinal Plant Garden are open dawn to dusk all year for individual visitors, special events and tours. 

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