Research at Itasca
Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is committed to fostering scientific research that deepens our understanding of the natural world and enables biodiversity conservation. Our unique location is an ideal site for ecological research. We are located in Itasca State Park, at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, situated at the narrow convergence of North America's three largest biomes – coniferous forest, deciduous forest, and grasslands (prairie).
The Park's 1600 acre Scientific and Natural Area located along the western side of Lake Itasca protects roughly two miles of undeveloped shoreline along the lake, along with a mosaic of eighteen native plant communities, dominated by fire-dependent red and white pine forest communities. The SNA contains 848 acres of designated old-growth forest in 16 stands. In addition to these terrestrial habitats, aquatic ecosystems are plentiful and diverse in the Park: the Mississippi River and its smaller tributaries, over 100 lakes and countless more smaller semipermanent and temporary ponds and freshwater marshes, as well as bogs and fens.
In addition our unique geographic and ecological setting, the station offers an assemblage of facilities and equipment that facilitates both short and long term research stays. The station is open year-round with several winterized cabins and lab spaces. Lodging options include full bath and kitchen cabins, and bunkhouses with shared bathhouse facilities. Our dining hall serves buffet-style meals available from mid-May to early October.
Faculty, advanced students, and other independent investigators may be approved to use the station facilities for research purposes during any season. To initiate a research project, submit an IBSL research permit application.