Education & research

Interpretive sign at one of Minnesota's scientific and natural areas.

Education

State natural areas provide unique opportunities for education and reflection. Students young and old learn about ecological processes as they refresh their spirits in a truly natural community. Scientific and Natural Areas serve as an interpretive resource by:

  • Encouraging use of sites as outdoor classrooms
  • Providing interpretive information on site features
  • Leading field trips
  • Conducting Prairie Day celebrations
  • Making presentations to schools, local and statewide organizations, and groups
  • Promoting appropriate public use

Research

Though the SNA Program gives priority to research that monitors the effects of management practices on natural areas, without causing harm to existing species and habitats, all proposals for any research receive careful consideration.

Projects may include:

  • Assessing a site for naturally occurring levels of contaminants like dioxin, as the EPA has in the past.
  • Monitoring the effects of management practices such as burning.
  • Censusing plant or animal populations as baseline data for measuring the effects of environmental change.
  • Determining special habitat requirements for rare species.
  • Studying natural processes such as carbon cycling, pollination, or global warming.
  • Observing the behavior or studying the genetics of rare species.
  • Designing a nature preserve.

...or anything that increases our understanding of natural systems!

Is funding available?

The SNA Program offers limited funds for high-priority, management-oriented research; in some cases, staffers may also provide technical assistance or equipment.

A second major source of DNR research funding, Grants for Conservation Biology Research in Minnesota, awards an average of $3000 per project per year, but will consider requests up to $10,000 per year. The grants program coordinator generally solicits research proposals in the fall of odd-numbered years.

Who can apply to conduct research?

Researchers including undergraduate and graduate students as well as university professors and independents are strongly encouraged to carry out research in the Minnesota DNR's statewide system of Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs).

How do I apply?

Researchers must submit a completed research application This link needs MS Word to open. to the SNA Program. The SNA Program and the Research Committee of the Commissioner's Advisory Committee (composed of science experts and interested citizens) will evaluate proposals within one month of receipt, and will issue permits for those that qualify.

Applications must:

  • Include background, objectives, methods, and procedures.
  • Include a date for completion of fieldwork.
  • Describe methods of collecting and marking.
  • Discuss the probable impact of the study on the study subject(s) and the surrounding habitat.

As a general rule, researchers must deposit collected specimens in an SNA-approved, Minnesota public institution. They must submit a copy of their findings to the SNA Program no later than two years after completion of the project.

For further information contact the program supervisor.