In a grass-lined desert wash under a green Desert Willow canopy, two researchers work together to tag a small grassland sparrow while two others observe. A fifth researcher sits beside the group with the next bird to be tagged in a white cloth bag. Researchers work together to apply Motus tags to grassland sparrows on the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch. Steven Prager.
Research

Research

Putting the AWRR to Work for Conservation Science
Researchers work together to apply Motus tags to grassland sparrows on the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch. Photo: Steven Prager.
Research

Research

Putting the AWRR to Work for Conservation Science

At the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society, we work to formulate, test, and demonstrate methods to rehabilitate and safeguard the bioregion and provide assistance to community members and policy-makers in the protection and stewardship of our native ecosystems, natural resources, and quality of life. In other words, we enable researchers to conduct the studies needed for Audubon to fulfill its mission of protecting birds and the places they need.

Prioritized research topics include but are not limited to:

  • Grassland conservation
  • Federally listed species, Arizona Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and Audubon priority birds
  • Ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation
  • Working lands conservation/restoration
  • Natural history at any scale
  • Impacts of climate change and aridification
  • Community engagement in science and conservation

While we aim to support every researcher that comes our way, not all projects are appropriate for this field station. Part sanctuary and part field research station, projects conducted on the Research Ranch must not significantly alter or damage native habitat, create an unreasonable level of disturbance, or impact our ability to conserve and restore lands in our care. Projects that fit well are those that leave minimal impact and provide data that can inform our work of protecting grassland ecosystems for birds, other wildlife, and people.

If you have a project that you think may be a good fit, please reach out to us at researchranch@audubon.org. (All applicants will be asked to fill out and submit a research proposal prior to conducting any work on the Research Ranch. Save yourself some time by checking it out now!)

Visiting the Research Ranch
Visit

Visiting the Research Ranch

Access to the Research Ranch is by permit only, requires advance notice, and is limited to low-impact activities (birding, photography, etc.). Learn more...

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The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program
Research

AWRR Student Research Fellowships

Join our next cohort of young conservation scientists!

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Library

Library

Everything a visiting researcher might need - visit our library to access past AWRR research, annual reports, species lists, maps, and more!

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Connect with the Research Ranch