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About Us

The University of Wyoming Research Institute at the AMK Ranch is a cooperative effort between the University of Wyoming and the National Park Service. We are one of only and handful of field stations in US National Parks and by far the oldest partnership of this kind: in 2018, we celebrated 65 years of cooperation with Grand Teton National Park.

Our Vision

Our vision is to promote stewardship of Wyoming’s iconic landscapes by:

INSPIRING DISCOVERIES

Advance the frontiers of knowledge by creating unique opportunities for scholars in Wyoming’s iconic landscapes.
ELEVATING EXPERIENCES

Enhance and expand opportunities for place-based learning for UW students, community scholars, and the public.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Share research and learning opportunities that cross boundaries and foster cooperation, understanding, and discourse.

The Mission

To achieve our vision, UW students and faculty partner with the National Park Service and others to increase opportunities for research, scholarship, creative and cultural activities, and courses connected to Wyoming’s iconic landscapes and ecosystems, its Native American culture and heritage, and its traditions from ranching to recreation.

Staff

Director:
Sarah Collins
Sarah.Collins@uwyo.edu
Pronouns: she/her

Station Manager:
Casey Brucker
cbrucker@uwyo.edu
Pronouns: she/her

Office Manager:
Bonnie Robinson
307-766-4227
Bonnie.Robinson@uwyo.edu
Pronouns: she/her

Office Assistant:
Shawna Wolf
307-766-4244
swolf5@uwyo.edu
Pronouns: she/her

a group of people wearing matching shirts and smiling at the camera

2024 Station Staff

Station History

Two long and detailed histories converge at this field station: the colorful history of the AMK Ranch, and the trailblazing partnership between the University of Wyoming and the National Park Service.

Fun Facts

The UW-NPS Research Station is the oldest partnership of its kind, and the oldest field station in a national park.

It is said that Johnson Lodge has two stories because Mae Johnson would not have her bedroom be on the first floor with so many bears in the area.

Pencil-shaped architecture and embellishments in Berol Lodge are a symbol of Alfred Berol’s lifelong dedication to the family-owned Eagle Pencil Company.

Curious to know more? Check out these resources!

Grand Teton: AMK Ranch – Brief timeline of the history of the AMK Ranch
John Sargent’s Merymere, Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum – A historical account of the Sargent homestead, written by Samantha Ford
The Research Station’s Place in History – A historical account written by Lenore Diem in 1978, one year after the Jackson Hole Biological Research Center merged with the Northern Rocky Mountain Parks Studies Cooperative Program, becoming the UW-NPS Research Center
A Tale of Dough Gods, Bear Grease, Cantaloupe, and Sucker Oil – Recounts the full history of the AMK Ranch, written by Kenneth L. Diem, Leonore L. Diem, and William C. Lawrence
Annual Reports Archives – Research station reports from 1954-1976, and 1977-present