# Scientist & Researcher Partners

##### Universities, field stations, and research programs studying prairie ecology and restoration across the Temperate Prairies region, including long-term research sites and university-affiliated prairie centers. 

##### **Research Institutions & Field Stations**

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##### **Federal Research Programs**

##### [Grazinglands Research Lab](https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/el-reno-ok/ocparc/) (OK) - USDA research unit studying forage, grazing systems, and rangeland sustainability across Oklahoma and the Central Plains. 

##### [USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center](https://www.usgs.gov/centers/northern-prairie-wildlife-research-center) (ND) - Federal research center focused on grassland and prairie-pothole ecology, migratory birds, and habitat management. 

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##### **Universities & Field Stations**

##### [Konza Prairie Biological Station](https://kpbs.konza.k-state.edu/) (KS) - Field station studying tallgrass prairie fire, grazing, and climate dynamics as a Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. 

##### [Illinois Natural History Survey](https://inhs.illinois.edu/) (IL) - State scientific survey within the University of Illinois' Prairie Research Institute, researching Illinois plant and animal diversity statewide. 

##### [Tallgrass Prairie Center](https://tallgrassprairiecenter.org/) (IA) - University of Northern Iowa center dedicated to prairie restoration research, seed science, and training.  

##### [Center for Grassland Studies](https://grassland.unl.edu/) (NE) - UNL research and education center studying grasslands as a resource for livestock production, wildlife habitat, and turf. 

##### [Central Grasslands Research Extension Center](https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/research-extension-centers-recs/central-grasslands-rec) (ND) - NDSU research center studying range, forage, and grazing systems in the northern Great Plains. 

##### [Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center](https://mitppc.umn.edu/) (MN) - University of Minnesota center researching invasive species affecting the state's prairies, forests, and wetlands. 

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##### **Independent Research Institutes**

##### [Noble Research Institute](https://www.noble.org/) (OK) - Independent nonprofit managing 13,500 acres of working ranchland as a living lab for regenerative grassland and grazing research. 

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##### **Specialists**

##### [Sam Lord](https://cafnr.missouri.edu/directory/sam-lord/) (MO) - Soil ecologist at MU's Center for Agroforestry studying microbial communities and prairie/agricultural soil health.