Southwestern Research Station
The Southwestern Research Station is in the process of reopening after our closure in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently taking a limited number of reservations from researchers this spring, and expect to be back to full operations this summer!
Phone messages are currently checked infrequently. The best way to reach us is to send email inquiries to [email protected] or to [email protected]
About Us
The Southwestern Research Station is a biological field station that provides scientists, educators, and students from around the world the opportunity to participate in research, workshops, and classes in one of the most biologically rich environments in the United States.
Located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, the Station is situated in the heart of the Madrean Sky Island Archipelago, which stretches from the tropical Sierra Madre Occidental up to the Rocky Mountains. The habitats around SWRS include an elevational gradient from low desert to alpine meadows, rich riparian areas, and a unique blend of Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert species.
The Southwestern Research Station serves scientists, students, and groups that strive to conserve the world’s biodiversity and add to our knowledge of the natural world. SWRS is a non-profit organization under the direction of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) In New York.
Announcements
We will be awarding the Southwestern Research Station Graduate Field Research Award again this year!
This new fund was endowed by an anonymous donor to support field research by graduate students at SWRS. The purpose of this competitive award is to make extensive station-based fieldwork possible for graduate students, recognizing that such fieldwork provides a uniquely immersive opportunity to explore their study system and develop a sense of place.
The recipient receives an award of up to US $5000 to be applied towards covering station fees, research equipment and supplies, and travel expenses. Supported fieldwork must be in the Chiricahuas or neighboring areas. Regional projects including those with components at neighboring field stations within Arizona will be considered, but supported research must be based in part at SWRS. We are extending the due date this year to April 30, 2022.
Download the award announcement and application instructions here:
We are happy to announce the return of many of our field courses this summer, including:
The Lepidoptera Course https://www.calacademy.org/lepidoptera-course
The Herpetology Course
The Bee Course https://www.thebeecourse.org
Fungi of the Sky Islands
The Tree Course
Hummingbird Monitoring Network Workshop https://www.savehummingbirds.org
All five of our Chiricahua weather stations are up and running! Visit the local transect network page to access data from SWRS, the top of the mountains (Bootlegger Saddle), the desert (Chiricahua Desert Museum), and Chiricahua National Monument.
The 2019 SWRS Newsletter is out! Download it here:
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 520-558-2396
Fax: 520-558-2018
We operate on Mountain Standard Time. Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Get mailing addresses and staff information.
Article
About SWRS
The Southwestern Research Station is a year-round field station under the direction of the American Museum of Natural History.
Seminars and Retreats at SWRS
Non-researcher guests may stay at the Southwestern Retreat Station.
Researchers
Scientists from the American Museum of Natural History and institutions around the world conduct research at SWRS.
Courses
The SWRS offers many advanced training courses for biology students, seasoned researchers, professionals and experienced naturalists.
Interns and Volunteers
Volunteer positions are open each year at the Museum's Southwestern Research Station in Portal, Arizona.
Donations
Become a friend of the Southwestern Research Station! Two funds provide opportunities to support the Southwestern Research Center.