The Biological Station has mapped out several core areas of transformation for its next 100 years. If you have questions about how to support them, please contact UMBS Associate Director Karie Slavik.

I. Transform the Biological Station into a Model of Environmental Sustainability

The Biological Station should serve not only as a world class center of environmental research, it should serve as a living laboratory and, eventually, as a model of how humans can minimize their environmental footprint. A plan to reduce and, eventually, eliminate emissions of greenhouse gases in our housing and research operations would address the root cause of climate change at a local level. Moreover, progress toward a “zero emission” goal at the Biological Station campus could help to inform a climate neutral plan for the University of Michigan as a whole. Such a plan, when successfully implemented both at the Biological Station campus and at the University of Michigan’s main campus in Ann Arbor, would dramatically advance our university’s education, research, and public service missions.

II. Endow a “Cross-Generational” Program of Research and Training in Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Coupled Human-Natural Systems

A comprehensive, interdisciplinary program would leverage and unify education and research programs serving different groups. It would proactively support Doctoral and Master’s Degree Fellows, Undergraduate researchers, and K-12/Community College Teachers.

III. Build a Year-Round Research Partnership Program

Nearly all our present course offerings and most research and community outreach activity occurs from May through August. Enhancing year-round research and on-site, interdisciplinary study would benefit all Biological Station Programs. It would also strengthen links to the University of Michigan and expand our outreach to local and national communities. This initiative would provide Sabbatical Fellowships to attract new scholars to our field station and establish support for Post-Doctoral Fellows to work across disciplines on site.