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UF/IFAS Ordway-Swisher Biological Station

UF/IFAS Ordway-Swisher Biological Station

Facilities

Working Facilities

Due to the facility’s primary scientific support mission, OSBS is not open for public visits except for special-use arranged tours, professional meetings, or through volunteer activities. However, there are many on-site facilities for pre-approved uses*, including: 

To book a working facility, visit the Project Portal, and under the UPCOMING FACILITY BOOKINGS section, click BOOK A FACILITY OR RESOURCE.

*Please see the Fee Schedule for charges related to using the facilities.

Laboratory Space (Building 2201):

The Station is considered an outdoor laboratory with 9,600+ acres to explore for research and teaching. In regard to field lab space, OSBS currently has a small wet lab and dry lab for working up samples. More advanced lab capabilities may be available on the UF campus. A drying oven and space for working and preparing samples can be made available depending on need. Please discuss your lab requirements with the Associate Director when making your reservation.

 

Classroom and Meeting Space (Building 2202):

The Station has a 32-person classroom/meeting space at the Butler Building that can be rented for teaching, trainings, and meetings. Markerboards, tack boards, audiovisual equipment, and high-speed Wi-Fi internet access are available. The furniture layout can be rearranged to meet event needs. A galley kitchen is also available for day-long meetings.

 

Maintenance and Fabrication Workshop (Building 2205): 

A 4000 sq ft shop for maintenance and repair of equipment as well as fabrication projects is available for station users. It includes workbenches, tools, compressed air outlets, welding equipment and work space. There is also a dedicated clean room established for the repair and maintenance of sensitive equipment such as monitoring sensors, weather stations, etc.

 

Lodging Facilities

• Rental Information: Cofrin Cottage

  About

  Lodging at OSBS is available year-round at the for Station users. The cottage can accommodate up to three guests, with single occupancy per room. The cottage is fully furnished with ac/heat, a shared bath, full kitchen (including microwave), washer & dryer, and a beautiful screened porch overlooking Long Lake. Each guest room has a twin captain’s bed, closet, bureau, writing table, and a television. Residents are responsible for keeping the cottage neat and orderly during their stay. Cooking is permitted. Internet access is not available at the cottage, but is available at the Conservation Center.

  Use Rate

  • $50/night - Per Room *
  • $150/night - Full Cottage

  * Rooms that are not rented by your party may still be rented out to other guests.

  Guidelines for cottage use

  • Check-in: 12:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM. These hours may be flexible depending on use level. Check with Office Manager when scheduling your visit.
  • The cottage is stocked with an initial supply of toilet paper, trash bags, and dish soap.
  • In each guest room: Two sets of bed linens, towels, and wash rags are provided.
  • The kitchen is fully stocked with dishware and cookware. Guests are expected to wash dirty dishes and cookware before leaving. A $20 charge will be added if not completed.
  • Use of the fireplace is prohibited.
  • Smoking is prohibited on all UF properties including OSBS facilities and lodging.
  • Alcohol is prohibited on OSBS property and facilities including lodging.
  • Before leaving, please:
    • Remove garbage from kitchen and bathroom and place in garbage can outside.
    • Strip beds and leave dirty linens on bedroom floor.
    • Place dirty towels and washcloths on the bathroom floor.
    • Notify Office Manager of any damages or issues during your stay.

  Suggested resources for guests to provide

  • Personal toiletries, which includes bath soap and shampoo.
  • Laundry detergent if you plan to use the washer/dryer.
  • You will need to bring food and beverages. It is suggested that guests should stop at one of the grocery stores in Melrose to stock up on your way to the cottage.

• Rental Information: Cypress Bunkhouse

  About

  The Cypress Bunkhouse can accommodate up to eight guests, with multiple occupancy per room. All beds are twin-XL captain beds. The bunkhouse is fully furnished with ac/heat, two full baths, full kitchen (including microwave and oven), washer & dryer, TV and Blu-ray player. Residents are responsible for keeping the bunkhouse neat and orderly during their stay. Cooking is permitted. Internet access is not available at the bunkhouse, but is available at the Conservation Center.

  Use Rate

  • $140 per night *

  * A minimum of 4 persons is required to reserve the facility unless the cottage is fully occupied.

  Guidelines for bunkhouse use

  • Check-in: 12:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM. These hours may be flexible depending on use level. Check with Office Manager when scheduling your visit.
  • The bunkhouse is stocked with an initial supply of toilet paper, trash bags, and dish soap.
  • In each guest room: Two sets of bed linens per bed, pillows, blankets.
  • Towels and washcloths provided in bathrooms.
  • The kitchen is fully stocked with dishware and cookware. Guests are expected to wash dirty dishes and cookware before leaving. A $20 charge will be added if not completed.
  • Domestic animals are not permitted unless necessary to help a disabled user. Please notify Station administration in advance.
  • Alcohol is prohibited on OSBS property and facilities including lodging.
  • Smoking is prohibited on all UF properties including OSBS facilities and lodging.
  • Use of the fireplace is prohibited.
  • Before leaving, please:
    • Remove garbage from kitchen and bathroom and place in garbage can outside.
    • Strip beds and leave dirty linens on bedroom floor.
    • Place dirty towels and washcloths on the bathroom floor.
    • Notify Office Manager of any damages or issues during your stay.

  Suggested resources for guests to provide

  • Personal toiletries, which includes bath soap and shampoo.
  • Laundry detergent if you plan to use the washer/dryer.
  • You will need to bring food and beverages. It is suggested that guests should stop at one of the grocery stores in Melrose to stock up on your way to the cottage.

• Rental Information: Nolan Cabin

  About

  Lodging at Nolan cabin is available primarily from June through October for Station users. The cabin can accommodate up to three guests, with single occupancy per room. The cottage is fully furnished with ac/heat, two shared baths, full kitchen (including microwave), washer & dryer, and a deck overlooking Goodson Lake. Each guest room has a twin captain’s bed, closet, bureau, writing table, and a television. Residents are responsible for keeping the cabin neat and orderly during their stay. Cooking is permitted. Internet access is not available at the cottage but is available at the Conservation Center.

  Use Rate

  • $50/night - Per Room *
  • $150/night - Full Cottage

  * Rooms that are not rented by your party may still be rented out to other guests.

  Guidelines for cabin use

  • Check-in: 12:00 PM, Check-out: 10:00 AM. These hours may be flexible depending on use level. Check with Office Manager when scheduling your visit.
  • The cabin is stocked with an initial supply of toilet paper, trash bags, and dish soap.
  • In each guest room: Two sets of bed linens per bed, pillows, blankets.
  • Towels and washcloths provided in bathrooms.
  • The kitchen is fully stocked with dishware and cookware. Guests are expected to wash dirty dishes and cookware before leaving. A $20 charge will be added if not completed.
  • Domestic animals are not permitted unless necessary to help a disabled user. Please notify Station administration in advance.
  • Alcohol is prohibited on OSBS property and facilities including lodging.
  • Smoking is prohibited on all UF properties including OSBS facilities and lodging.
  • Before leaving, please:
    • Remove garbage from kitchen and bathroom and place in garbage can outside.
    • Strip beds and leave dirty linens on bedroom floor.
    • Place dirty towels and washcloths on the bathroom floor.
    • Notify Office Manager of any damages or issues during your stay.

  Suggested resources for guests to provide

  • Personal toiletries, which includes bath soap and shampoo.
  • Laundry detergent if you plan to use the washer/dryer.
  • You will need to bring food and beverages. It is suggested that guests should stop at one of the grocery stores in Melrose to stock up on your way to the cottage.

• Rental Information: RV Camping

  About

  For research visitors and classes that need to stay overnight and would like to RV/tent camp, OSBS has 3 sites with RV pads. There are picnic tables, potable water, fire pits, and electric and sewer hook-ups. Access to a washer & dryer and outdoor showers are available.

  Use Rate

  • Researchers - $20/night/person. The project PI is responsible for collecting and submitting the individual fees from accompanying group members.
  • UF Courses - No charge*. A UF faculty member or TA must accompany classes wishing to camp. UF& Station policies must be observed.

  Suggested resources for guests to provide

  • Personal toiletries, which includes bath soap and shampoo.
  • Laundry detergent if you plan to use the washer/dryer.
  • You will need to bring food and beverages. It is suggested that guests should stop at one of the grocery stores in Melrose to stock up on your way to the cottage.
• Rental Information: Tent Camping

  About

  For research visitors and classes that need to stay overnight and would like to tent camp, OSBS has a primitive campground (no power). There are picnic tables, potable water, and a common fire pit. Access to a galley kitchen, washer & dryer, and bathroom/shower are available.

  Use Rate

  • Researchers - $10/night/person. The project PI is responsible for collecting and submitting the individual fees from accompanying group members.
  • UF Courses - No charge*. A UF faculty member or TA must accompany classes wishing to camp. UF& Station policies must be observed.

  Suggested resources for guests to provide

  • Personal toiletries, which includes bath soap and shampoo.
  • Laundry detergent if you plan to use the washer/dryer.
  • You will need to bring food and beverages. It is suggested that guests should stop at one of the grocery stores in Melrose to stock up on your way to the cottage.