The Semi-Arid Grasslands Research Center
A partnership between CSU and the USDA Agricultural Research Service
The Semi-Arid Grasslands Research Center (SGRC) is adjacent to the USDA ARS-Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER), established in 1937 after the Dust Bowl to study grazing management practices.
The nearby Pawnee National Grassland provides ample opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, biking, or horse-back riding at the Pawnee Buttes and other backcountry locations, and other recreational activities.
CPER, a 15,500-acre research site, is the primary experimental range for USDA ARS in the Western Great Plains. It has hosted several large interdisciplinary network research programs for which the Colorado State University now curates digital collections of images, data and information. In 1964, the International Biome Program (IBP) established its grassland biome headquarters at the CPER. A collection of IBP technical reports is available online. In 1982, CPER became the core research site for the Shortgrass Steppe Long Term Ecological Research (SGS-LTER) Project funded by the National Science Foundation until 2014. A digital collection of over one hundred SGS-LTER datasets is publicly.
Research and Engagement
Today, CPER, is the key grazing lands research site for implementation of a Collaborative Adaptive Rangeland Management (CARM) project. The CARM project exemplifies co-production of science with stakeholders participating in a common experiment as part of the USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network.
Researchers, K-16 teachers, and students have continuously studied and visited the area, and the mission of the SGRC is to provide state-of-the-art facilities to further support research and education, and to foster appreciation and understanding of the western Great Plains grasslands of North America.
Contact the Semi-Arid Grasslands Research Center
Edward J. “EJ” Raynor, PhD.
Director
AES: SGRC – CSU
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878
Phone: (203)-610-3920
E-mail: ej.raynor@colostate.edu
Amy Bibbey
AES Executive Assistant
AES: SGRC – CSU
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-3001
Phone: (970) 491-3767
E-mail: amy.bibbey@colostate.edu
Request Research Permission
If you’re interested in conducting your research on the USDA Agricultural Research Service Central Plains Experimental Range, fill out the intake form: CPER Research Land Use Application
Melissa Johnston
Agricultural Science Research Technician
Central Plains Experimental Range
58009 CR 37 Nunn, CO 80648
Office: 970-897-2226
Cell: 970-775-3809
Email: Melissa.Johnston@usda.gov
Where to Find Us
Semi-Arid Grasslands Research Center
14000-14976 Co Rd 114
Nunn, CO 80648
Phone: (203)-610-3920
Email: ej.raynor@colostate.edu