The Ozarks Research and Learning Center

The proposed Ozarks Research and Learning Center (ORLC) is a collaborative undertaking between Buffalo National River, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, The Heartland Network, and Missouri State University.  This unique partnership unites the resources of the parks with the expertise of university and network scientist to promote research and education of the Ozarks natural and cultural resources.  Lodging and lab facilities at the parks, combined with the university’s field station, and laboratories on the Missouri State campus provide a network of support from rustic lodging to specialized lab equipment. Focal themes of the center are: 1) wild ozarks rivers and their role in shaping the areas cultural history; 2) karst features of the Ozarks; and 3) effects of global climate change in the Ozarks.

Research Needs

Park Service scientist and managers have prepared a preliminary list of research needs in support of park management and decision making. Resource management goals and objectives within Resource Management, Water Resource Management, River Management, and Cave Management plans also list research priorities. 

Download a list of research topics.

 

Education and Outreach

Park partners and educational institutions define their biggest needs as: 1) facilities where students and the public can interact with researchers; and 2) additional outreach programs that will focus on the parks’ resources and ongoing research. The ORLC will address these needs by providing the expertise and facilities to interpret park resource research.  Education and outreach activities will build on existing park programs and the Heartland Network's Science Communication Plan.  The plan contains a matrix of interpretive product options that can be customized for a specific park. 

Missouri State University’s Bull Shoals Field Station (BSFS) staff has expertise in education and aquatic research and can help synthesize research to develop park-based, hands-on education programs.  Dr. Janice Greene, Director, and Celeste Prussia, Manager, develop curricula, train teachers, and provide educational opportunities for the public.  Dr. Beth Bowles helps to coordinate research/monitoring at BSFS, conducts long-term aquatic monitoring, and has an expertise in algal ecology. 

BSFS currently provides educational programs for the public at least four times a year and multiple experiences for students.  The number of users of the Bull Shoals Field Station continues to grow each year as we expand programs and facilities.

Ozarks Research and Learning Center Infrastructure

The Gaddy House and the Powder Mill facilities, located within BUFF and OZAR respectively, in addition to Missouri State’s Bull Shoals Field Station are existing facilities able to accommodate operations of the ORLC.  BUFF’s Gaddy House, located along the Buffalo River in a wilderness setting, was constructed in 1969.  The structure has a dormitory size room upstairs and two bedrooms with bath.  Downstairs is a bedroom, kitchen and living area capable of hosting up to 75 guests.  The facility accommodates university researchers, regional schools, and field seminars with the local community and others.

OZAR’s Powder Mill Center, located on the Current River, has an apartment with two bedrooms, living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Attached is the old visitor center which will provide a visitor contact area, research display area, and work space for researchers.

Missouri State University’s Bull Shoals Field Station (BSFS) was established in 1999, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a research and education facility for Missouri State and visiting classes and researchers (http://www.bullshoals.missouristate.edu/).  It is approximately 55 miles south of Springfield and located on the shores of Bull Shoals Lakes.  Research and education programs are conducted on the adjacent Bull Shoals Lake, the 2,000-acre restricted-access Drury Conservation Area and on the 3,600-acre Mincy Conservation Area.  BSFS has two houses that can house 20 people, a classroom building, and a pavilion. 

BSFS can provide a variety of support for the Science and Learning Center.  The smaller area National Parks do not have housing available for researchers, therefore BSFS can provide housing for those individuals.  The Field Station site can also provide facilities for NPS training and/or information sessions, for example, training sessions for educational outreach, seminars for regional university faculty/students to help in recruitment and retention of researchers in the parks, educational programs for the general public, etc. 

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences and Missouri State University, will provide access to more sophisticated equipment and lab space (see http://www.cnas.missouristate.edu/ for an overview of the departments and programs of the college).  
 
Links

• Ozarks Research and Learning Center proposal (NPS Only)
• Memorandum of Agreement between Arkansas State University and Buffalo National River (NPS Only)
• NPS Research and Learning Center Homepage

Contact Information

• Mike DeBacker
  Program Coordinator (417-732-6438 x 269)