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Research and Housing Facilities

The Research Ranch provides a variety of facilities to enable researchers to work effectively while away from their home institutions. Some of the buildings have energy saving features such as trombe walls, straw bale insulation, and water-saving features. We are in the process of increasing the energy efficiency of other buildings, and hope to make the Research Ranch a demonstration site for energy- and water-saving technology. Housing fees are charged for overnight stays.

Telephones (land-lines) are available in all buildings. Long-distance is blocked on the phones, so you will need to use a credit card or phone card. Cell phone coverage is very spotty in the housing area and at headquarters. Sometimes a good signal (depending on provider) can be obtained from Bald Hill or some of the other high points of the ranch. High speed wireless internet is available at headquarters (make an appointment with staff for using headquarters building during off hours). We charge a one-time fee of $5 for the security code for wireless access – this helps maintain the wireless network. At the bunkhouse and surrounding buildings, internet access is limited to landlines.

Laboratory & equipment
A 25 x 35 foot laboratory building includes computers, a chest freezer, specimen refrigerator, specimen case, drying oven, sink and rest room. It also includes plenty of counter space, overhead fluorescent lighting, electrical outlets, and a land-line telephone.

Herbarium and museum
The herbarium, housed in the main office, features approximately 1200 locally-collected plant specimens. A photoherbarium is under development. In addition, a small collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens are kept in the laboratory building.

Classroom
The 30 x 30 foot classroom takes up part of the state of the art headquarters building. Available to classes are an LCD projector (laptop may or may not be available), an overhead projector, a TV and VCR, and plenty of whiteboard space. Tables and chairs can accommodate classes up to 60 persons.

Bunkhouse
Our bunkhouse features bunk beds in shared rooms that can sleep up to 10 individuals, plus one queen bed in a private room. It also includes two bathrooms, and shared kitchen facilities with plenty of cabinet space. A washing machine is available to tenants.

Guesthouse
Our guesthouse has a double bed and a queen bed in separate rooms, and 2 single beds in a shared room. It also features a shared kitchen, 2 baths, a washing machine, and large dining and living areas.

Casita
Our quaint casita features a queen bed, bathroom, kitchenette, and small living/dining area.