KBS is a premier site for field experimental research in aquatic and terrestrial 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 3,873 acres/1,566 ha of diverse habitats, including forests, old fields, streams, wetlands, lakes, and agricultural lands. Shared-use 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 has long-term experiments focused on agricultural and grassland ecology including the KBS Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) program and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), as well as a more recently established prairie restoration project. Throughout the property there are agricultural fields and successional grasslands and forests of varying size and landscape context.
KBS provides a wonderful environment for visiting scholars to conduct research, write, or simply interact with a community of scientists whose interests encompass the disciplines of evolution, population, community and ecosystem ecology. There are weekly seminars during the academic year as well as longer visits by eminent researchers during the summer.
We encourage visiting scholars and scientists from other institutions or from the MSU campus.
Setting up a research project
Establishing a research project at KBS requires a number of logistical arrangements that should be made well in advance. Contact the KBS Facilities Coordinator for specific information on availability of field sites, laboratory space and facilities, or other resources (see details below). Modest site use fees are charged for use of KBS facilities.
Field Research
Research on KBS-managed lands (see map) including the main site, Lux Arbor, and Marshall Farm, requires submission of a Site Use Request Form (SURF; see below). Maps and images of KBS lands can be found on the LTER website. Contact the manager for research at the Kellogg Experimental Forest, which is managed separately. Research on public-access lands and lakes in the broader area may require MDNR and/or MDEQ permits.
Space and Equipment
Billing and Purchasing Arrangements
Technology and Communication
Lodging
Housing is available on site for summer and visiting researchers and students. Short-term (less than 9 months) housing options at KBS include cabins, dorms, and apartments, as well as communal and rental houses. See the W.K. Kellogg Conference Center webpage for details on various housing options and to complete a Short-term Housing Reservation Form.
If you are planning a stay longer than 9 months, please complete this Long-term Housing Reservation Form.
Contact the Conference Center at (269)671-2400 or conference@kbs.msu.edu with specific questions regarding meal and housing options and rates.
Site Use Requests
Site Use Request Form (SURF)
The request will typically be processed within 2-4 weeks of submission. Upon approval, researchers will be informed of any anticipated fees. Researchers are strongly advised to solicit preliminary approval for site use prior to submitting to funding agencies proposals to work at KBS; a funded proposal does not guarantee site access however.
During and after the project
Each researcher must provide a brief report each year. We maintain records of research performed at KBS sites to report to funding agencies. We also keep records of sampling and experiment location to inform future researchers.
All publications from research conducted at KBS should acknowledge KBS support, and include a KBS contribution number.
Contacts for Information on Specific KBS Facilities & Field Sites
Facility | Staff / Faculty Liason |
---|---|
Pond Lab | Alisha Shah |
Greenhouses | Jeff Conner |
Plant Ecology Field Lab | Jeff Conner |
Sustainable Agriculture Lab | Brook Wilke |
Boathouse | Anne Bronikowski |
Dairy Facility (lab and crops) | Brook Wilke |
Farm (cropland incl. FSC) | Brook Wilke |
LTER Site and Field Lab | Stacey VanderWulp |
LTAR Site | Phil Robertson |
GLBRC | Stacey VanderWulp |
Lux Arbor Reserve | Mark Manuszak |
Bird Sanctuary | Lisa Duke |
Molecular Ecology and Genomics Lab | Sarah Fitzpatrick |
A legacy of conservation; a commitment to sustainability.
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
(269) 671-5117
info@kbs.msu.edu