Biological Field Station

Chiricahua Mountains

Southeastern Arizona

The Southwestern Research Station (SWRS) is a year-round field station under the direction of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the  American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY). Since 1955, it has served biologists, geologists, and anthropologists interested in studying the diverse environments and biotas of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

The Station welcomes scientists and advanced students from all parts of the country and from abroad to carry out their research projects. Investigators live in comfortable cabins provided with linens and blankets, and take their meals, cafeteria-style, in the pleasant atmosphere of a common dining room. The main house contains dining room, lounge with fireplace and laundry room. Outside is a large swimming pool, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. The area is laced with trails for hiking and climbing amongst spectacular scenery. The Station is open year-round but scientists must cook for themselves from early November through early March. Facilities in the Osborn Memorial Laboratory complex include library, insect collection, herbarium, vertebrate collections, photography lab., etc. Completed in 1992, the Technical Equipment Laboratory provides excellent microscopic facilities, constant temperature chambers, chemical hood, precision balances, centrifuges, etc. Recent additions of outdoor aviary complexes and an Animal Behavior Observatory afford outstanding facilities for behavioral and behavioral ecology studies. Classes from colleges and universities use the Station. Amateur naturalists and bird watchers are accommodated when space is available (mostly in spring and fall).

Internet

The Seminar Room, Education Building, and laboratories are wired with ADSL (internet).  We also have a computer room that you may use that has internet.  Wireless is available in most open areas around the station such as the porches outside the rooms, the pool, and at most picnic tables scattered around the station.  Wireless is not available in most rooms because of their construction.  We do not guarantee the wireless connection will be available at all times.  Heavy rains and other adverse conditions can sometimes interfere with the wireless.  You are welcome to bring a laptop and use wireless when it is available (about 90% of the time) in the areas mentioned above.