Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area

The Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area[1] is the longest continuously active rangeland research facility and among the five oldest biological field stations in the United States. Located south of Tucson in Pima County, Arizona, the 52,000 acre Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) was founded in 1903 and administered by the United States Forest Service until 1987, when the University of Arizona College of Agriculture took over administration of the site. The mission at the SRER is "to advance research and education on the ecology and management of desert rangelands through the secure, long-term access to research areas, state-of-the-art facilities, new discoveries, and research legacies."[2][3][4]

Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area
Established1903 (1903)
Field of research
Agricultural science
Environmental science
LocationPima County, Arizona, USA
31°50′00″N 110°51′10″W
Zip code
85721
Operating agency
University of Arizona
WebsiteSanta Rita Experimental Range

Environmental data

The SRER makes available several spatial and time series data sets for research purposes including monthly resolution precipitation data from 1922 to present, long term vegetation response studies, and livestock grazing histories. Additionally, the SRER maintains a repeat photography archive, allowing researchers to visually inspect land cover and landscape changes for 117 locations from as early as 1902 to present. The National Ecological Observatory Network also publicly publishes data collected on the range.[5]

  • A Santa Rita Wildlife Area sign.
  • A view across the SRER, facing south. Elephant Head is in the background at the left.
  • Huerfano Butte is a dominant landmark in the SRER.
  • Ocotillo in the SRER.
  • Florida Canyon Wash in March 2014.
  • Helvetia Cemetery

See also

References
  1. "Santa Rita Experimental Range and Wildlife Area, AZ". Retrieved 2012-12-10.
  2. "Santa Rita Experimental Range". Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  3. "Santa Rita Experimental Range : School of Natural Resources and the Environment 1". Archived from the original on 2009-09-18. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  4. "Santa Rita Experimental Range : School of Natural Resources and the Environment 2". Archived from the original on 2013-12-10. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  5. "Santa Rita Experimental Range - SRER | NSF NEON | Open Data to Understand our Ecosystems". www.neonscience.org.

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