Field work is an essential component of research and instructional programs in many academic disciplines, and access to appropriate field sites is vital and necessary for research universities. As part of an ongoing effort to provide better information to UW faculty on the resources available for research, the Office of Research has prepared this inventory of field stations directly affiliated with the University.
The 27 field stations listed here represent a broad spectrum of types and locations. Some, such as Friday Harbor Laboratories and Pack Forest, are widely known; others are less familiar. Most are located in Washington State, which is fitting given the abundance of significant biological and geological locales here. However, the list also includes unique and valuable sites in three other states and two foreign countries
This publication was made possible by the work of the ad hoc Committee on Field Stations which spent the better part of a year compiling information and developing recommendations for the future regulation, preservation, and development of the University's field resources. John B. Simpson, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, served as committee chair. Other members included: Donald Brownlee, Professor of Astronomy; Elizabeth Dobbins, GPSS Representative, Oceanography; Steve Hiller, Head, Science Libraries, University Libraries; Stanley Humann, Forest Lands Manager, College of Forest Resources; James Karr, Director, Institute for Environmental Studies; Joe Mahoney, Director, Washington State Transportation Center; Julia Paden, Assistant to the Vice Provost for Research; and John Wingfield, Professor of Zoology. The data for this compilation was assembled by Julia Paden, and the publication was designed and edited by Ruth Pelz, Communications Manager for the Office of Research.
The University owes its valuable field resources in large part to the vision and efforts of researchers, the foresight of donors, and the cooperation of government agencies. Further effort on the part of these three groups will be important as population growth and development pressures continue to reduce the areas where field research is possible. The Office of Research is in the process of compiling information about state, local, and federal government resources that may also support our field research.
We encourage all faculty members who conduct such research to remain alert to opportunities to develop or expand our existing resources. Those who become aware of potential gifts of real estate for field stations, or who have suggestions for the kind of field stations the UW should consider acquiring, should contact the Office of Major Gifts/Gift Planning at (206) 685-1001. Comments on this inventory or on University policies regarding field stations can be directed to the Office of Research at (206) 543-6616.
Alvin L. Kwiram
Vice Provost for Research
