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Where discovery comes naturally


At Missouri S&T’s Ozark Research Field Station (OFRS), you have the chance to make scientific discoveries in a natural outdoor classroom rich in ecological history.

Learn how you can get involved

   

What is a Field Station? 

A field station is a place where learning comes to life. It serves as an immersive, hands-on environment for exploring and understanding the natural world. A strong field station is interdisciplinary and multipurpose, supporting teaching, research, creativity, and innovation across fields such as biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, art, literature, poetry, and music. It’s a space where curiosity thrives and ideas grow beyond the classroom. 

The Ozark Research Field Station

The Ozark Research Field Station is a nine-acre living laboratory dedicated to education, research, and environmental discovery. Operated through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the station offers students and faculty a unique opportunity to study the Ozark ecosystem firsthand. 

Located just 20 miles southwest of Rolla, the property dates back to the 1860s and features ponds, streams, woodlands, diverse wildlife, and a historic home. Here, learners can conduct research, observe natural processes, test new ideas, and gain real-world experience in a rich and inspiring outdoor setting. 

What do field stations do?

  • Observe environmental change
  • Train new generation scientists, current educators and natural resources professionals
  • Engage the public in science and discovery of the natural world
  • Test new technologies and methods
  • Facilitate self-discovery and community enrichment

Academic advantages

Our programs inspire an appreciation of natural history, land ethics and the scientific process.

As the only biological field station in the University of Missouri System, the ORFS gives you real life learning experiences that will help you prepare for meaningful careers involving biology, the environment, conservation, natural resources and more.

Collaboration and outreach
  • The Ozark Research Field Station brings learning beyond the classroom through unique, place-based courses taught by Missouri S&T faculty from a range of academic disciplines. These immersive experiences connect students and educators with the natural world while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. 
  • The ORFS also serves as a hub for community engagement, offering programs and partnerships that inspire environmental awareness and hands-on learning.  
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Ozark Field Station Website
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College of Arts, Sciences, and Education

118 Fulton Hall, 301 W. 14th Street, Rolla, MO 65409
 Phone: (573) 341-4687
 Email: case@mst.edu

Operating Hours

Monday:8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday:8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday:8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday:8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday:8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed