Itasca Biological Station & Laboratories (IBSL) is a University of Minnesota field station dedicated to research and teaching on how ecosystems work, with an eye to cultivating an appreciation of their value and preservation for future generations. IBSL has been in operation since 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operational field station in the United States of America. Our 49-acre campus lies completely inside of Itasca State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Itasca. Three ecosystems converge at Itasca: coniferous forest, eastern deciduous forest and tall grass prairie. Plants and animals native to each are abundant in the 50 square miles of Itasca State Park.
Research opportunities Field biology courses 2023 Year in Review Report