Timberlake Biological Field Station News

COSM TIMBERLAKE NEWS

Timberlake Biological Field Station

Timberlake Biological Field Station was established to advance environmental research, engage students in scientific discovery, and promote stewardship of the natural world.

Our aim is to become a model field station focused on education, outreach, and research associated with the ecological integrity of the Colorado River and the diverse flora and fauna of the Cross Timbers and Edwards Plateau ecoregions of Texas. Because of the generosity of the Johansons, this vision is becoming a reality as the entire 790 acre Timberlake Ranch in southern Mills County has been transferred to Tarelton.

The buildout of the field station continues to be a work in progress - the addition of a bathhouse and the Farley Education Building along with the acquisition of the Green Cabin and the Mobile Discovery Lab have expanded our capacity for hosting students and researchers. We have also added internet service and are now connected to the Tarleton network. As we move forward in 2022, new expansion is on the horizon – two 12-person bunkhouses have been ordered with delivery scheduled in early fall, and by the end of the summer we will have a functioning weather station connected to the West Texas

Mesonet network associated with Texas Tech’s National Wind Institute. More spaces and more tools means more opportunity for research, education and outreach!

In other news, we had such a great time at the Farley Education Building dedication/fish fry in 2021 that we decided to make it an annual event! So, on May 21st, 2022 approximately 90 faculty, staff, alumni, community members and “friends of Tarleton” came together around the field station pavilion and enjoyed good food (thank you Pepperbelly’s for a fantastic catering job!), great conversation, and endured a short program by Dr. Sudman highlighting the development of a master plan related to the further development of the field station.

In spite of the unusually hot and dry late May weather, the event was an overwhelming success with lots of positive feedback. Dr. Lamar and Marilynn Johanson held court throughout much of the day. Tours were offered to those interested in a hot and dusty ride in one of our UTVs. Wayne Davenport brought along and distributed some much sought-after COST swag. Two flat tires aside (sorry to those adversely affected by 12 miles of gravel roads), we thank everyone who was able to attend for helping us spread the word as we continue to build Timberlake into a vibrant learning and research center.

“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of our donors and their commitment to provide an educational experience second to none.”