2022 Timberlake Biological Field Station Newsletter

2015 TO 2019: From Humble Beginnings

In 2015, Dr. Lamar and Marilynn Johanson established a life estate gift which would eventually transfer ownership of their 790 acre ranch in southern Mills County, along the banks of the Colorado River, to Tarleton State University. At that time the Johansons also invited Tarleton faculty to use the property as an outdoor classroom. Unbeknownst to them, this was the beginning of Timberlake Biological Field Station! Students from Ecology, Ichthyology, Limnology,Mammalogy, Ornithology and Phycology began making the 90 minute drive from Stephenville for weekend field trips, setting up tents in the live oak grove around the pavilion and cooking over an open campfire.

It was soon realized that more formal facilities were needed to provide students with a few creature comforts, as only a single bathroom was available at the time.

Dr. James Pierce, then Dean of the College of Science and Technology, agreed and in 2017 the college funded the first official Tarleton facility at the field station – a bathhouse! Soon to follow were other smaller upgrades including an industrial sized gas grill and other kitchen appointments.

As usage of field station continued to grow, it became evident that an indoor learning structure was also needed. Thanks to the generosity of the Farley family and additional funds from the college, a 1,300 sq ft multi-purpose building, the Farley Education Building, was put into place in 2019. Around this same time Louis and Judith Green deeded Tarleton a 3 bedroom cabin, which has since been designated as the Green Headquarters Building. Timberlake Biological Field Station was off and running!