Conduct Research on the Ranch

At the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, we work to better understand grassland ecosystems by conducting and facilitating research, developing and testing land management practices, and serving as an ecological reference for surrounding working lands. In other words, we enable researchers to conduct the studies needed for Audubon to fulfill its mission of protecting birds and the places they need. 

Prioritized research topics include but are not limited to: 

• Grassland Conservation
• Federally Listed Species
• Arizona Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Audubon priority birds
• Ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation
• Motus-based studies
• Working lands conservation
• Natural history at any scale
• Climate change and aridification
• Community engagement in science and conservation 

While we aim to support every researcher that comes our way, not all projects are appropriate for this field station. Part sanctuary and part field research station, projects conducted on the Research Ranch must not:  

• significantly alter or damage native habitat
• create an unreasonable level of disturbance  
• impact our ability to conserve and restore lands in our care.  

Projects that fit well are those that leave minimal impact and provide data that can inform our work of protecting grassland ecosystems for birds, other wildlife, and people. 

Researcher Amenities 

Facilities and resources available to visiting researchers include: 

• Nearly 8,000 acres of ungrazed and protected semidesert grassland, oak savannah, Madrean oak woodlands, riparian habitat, aquatic habitats, and more
• On-site lodging complete with a kitchen, bathrooms, and multiple bedrooms  
• Indoor laboratory space
• An on-site herbarium featuring nearly 600 Research Ranch-native plants
• An on-site Motus station and node array
• Ongoing management with which to engage (invasive species management, prescribed fire, and more)
• Audubon staff on-hand to the Research Ranch’s landscape, flora, fauna, and more

If you have a project that you think may be a good fit, please reach out to us at researchranch@audubon.org 

All applicants will be asked to fill out and submit a research proposal prior to conducting any work on the Research Ranch.