Research Access

Researchers should submit individual permit applications and proposals at least four weeks in advance to study the serpentine grassland, and two weeks in advance for work in other communities. The Preserve's executive director and advisory committee must approve all research proposals before work begins.

The Staff Scientist reviews the applications to ensure that proposed projects will neither conflict with ongoing work nor compromise the integrity of the Preserve or the future health of its habitats.

Projects that involve experimental manipulations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis; in general, manipulations must be small either in scale or effect. To lessen impacts to the serpentine grassland and other sensitive areas, research policies emphasize the use of less intrusive field markers and techniques, replacing them where possible by remote approaches.