John H. Nelson Environmental Study Area

The 618-acre Nelson Environmental Study Area was leveraged through a gift from John H. Nelson, former dean of the KU graduate school, and his wife, Kathryn, in 1970. This site is home to our research, field operations and maintenance office, as well as the Kenneth and Katie Armitage Education Center. It serves many functions related to research and teaching and offers diverse habitats used for a variety of experimental and ecological studies. Research studies take place at the area's Frank B. Cross Reservoir; an experimental pond and wetland facility; a biotic succession/habitat fragmentation facility; soil biodiversity study areas; fenced enclosures for studies of small and large mammals; and a native plant garden.