The Station's Research Program focuses primarily on supporting faculty, graduate, and undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. A combination of convenience, diversity, and size has made the Station an attractive site for researchers and class activities. Other universities/colleges and state/federal agencies regularly utilize OSBS for research opportunities. Monitoring and database development are ongoing and play an important role in enhancing research and teaching opportunities as well as supporting conservation management.

Between 1982-2008, 55 graduate projects have been conducted at the Station. Approximately 195+ research publications and reports have been generated from university, state, federal, and private research studies that have utilized OSBS. Much of the research to date has focused on understanding the processes and dynamics of the sandhill ecosystem. This understanding has also been advanced by hydrological and limnological studies that have examined water quality, acidification, ground water and chemical budgets of seepage lakes, nutrient limitations, and recharge affects to the water table aquifer from rainfall. The isolated, ephemeral ponds in this upland landscape are an important feature in the life histories of many species.

Table 1. Examples of state and federal agencies, universities, and NGOs that have utilized the Station for research.
Fl. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fl. Department of Environmental Protection US Geological Survey US Department of Agriculture St. Johns River Water Management District USDA Forest Service Fl. Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit The Nature Conservancy	University of Florida Duke University Florida State University University of Georgia Louisiana State University University of North Carolina Harvard University University of South Florida Washington University Cornell University University of Missouri Kansas State University

How can I request to do research at the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station?
The first step is to download and submit a research application. Instructions are on the application. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted so that we may meet and discuss your proposed study.