Research

The mission of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, or KBS, is to increase understanding of natural and managed ecosystems and their linkages to society.

We do this by conducting and supporting research in ecology, evolutionary biology, agriculture, and conservation biology across the continuum of basic to applied research.

KBS is a premier site for field experimental research in aquatic, terrestrial and agricultural ecology that takes advantage of the diverse managed and unmanaged ecosystems on our property and in the local area. The land base for KBS includes 4,132 acres/1,672 ha of diverse habitats, including forests, old fields, streams, wetlands, lakes, and agricultural lands.

Shared-use field sites and facilities are specifically designated to support the research of resident and non-resident faculty, and funding opportunities are available for graduate students to develop research and participate in educational programs.

KBS faculty

Kellogg Biological Station is home to more than a dozen year-round, resident faculty, from Michigan State University’s colleges of Natural Science and Agriculture and Natural Resources.  

The resident faculty create an opportunity for KBS to sustain a vibrant postdoctoral research associate and graduate student community.

We encourage visiting scholars and scientists from other institutions or from the MSU campus. A Site Use Request Form must be completed and approved before beginning research.