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Research Opportunities on Nature Conservancy Preserves

Missouri Coteau, North Dakota
Missouri Coteau, North Dakota
© Scott Stephens

Preserves owned and managed by the Conservancy are available for conservation-related research projects that are compatible with our mission. A permit is required for any research project conducted on Conservancy land.

Collaborative Research

The Conservancy has identified a number of priorities for collaborative research (PDF, 229KB). Some of these projects are ongoing, and we are seeking funds for others. Please let us know if you are interested in pursuing one of these topics in partnership with us.

How to Apply for a Research Permit

To apply for a research permit, please download and fill out our application (.DOC, 156 KB), and send it to us electronically, if possible. Appropriate Conservancy staff will be involved with reviewing the application, including scientists, land managers and program directors. We also coordinate with staff of other agencies, in particular the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, for many of our research permits.

We strongly advise prospective researchers to submit completed applications early. We strive to provide good service and to keep the application process as simple as possible. Depending on the complexity of the request, necessary reviewers, staff availability and other factors, it may take as long as a month to issue the permit. A permit will be issued within one month of receipt for those projects that qualify.

Examples of Past Research Projects on TNC Preserves

  • Lichen inventories for the Great Plains
  • Documentation of genetic variation in bur oak populations of the Minnesota River Valley
  • Comparison of soil organic carbon in restored vs. native prairies of the Agassiz Beach Ridges
    Small mammal inventories at a particular preserve
  • Habitat fragmentation effects on pollination and herbivory of narrow-leaved purple coneflower
  • Assessment of bird communities within the Red River Prairie and Tallgrass Aspen Parkland Provinces of northwestern Minnesota
  • Effects of land management on native arthropod diversity in the Agassiz Beach Ridges

Eligibility to Conduct Research

We welcome all researchers to apply. Past researchers have included university professors, undergraduate and graduate students, independent consultants and agency scientists.