Research and other uses

As an educational institution, Carleton College strongly encourages use of its lands for research, teaching, and student projects. But to maintain natural areas for long-term use, it is necessary for projects to be carried out in ways that minimize disturbance. It is also important for Arboretum staff to know where ongoing research projects are located so that routine management activities (burning, mowing, clearing brush, etc.) do not impact study areas.

A permit is required for research projects (including class exercises) in the Arb or McKnight Prairie that include any of the following:

• flags or tags that will remain when the researcher is not present at the study site
• collection of plants or plant parts, including seeds or tree cores
• trapping or tagging of animals
• introduction of living organisms
• significant soil disturbance