FAQs for Researchers

• Who can conduct research at OSBS?

  Individuals associated with UF may use the station, but OSBS also has a long history of research use by other universities as well as government agencies. Private companies may also utilize OSBS, but copies of data and publications generated from work must be provided to OSBS.

• How do I initiate a research project at OSBS?

  Step 1: Contact the Station at 352-475-2300 and ask to speak with the Associate Director regarding your research interests and logistical needs.

  Step 2: Establish a . Once the account request is received and approved, applicants can then log into the portal and begin submitting a research application. Research applications are reviewed as soon as possible and may take up to two weeks or longer to review (depending on the proposed project).

  Step 3: Once the application is approved, applicants will be notified via email regarding the next step.

• Is on-site lodging available?

  Yes. The Station can currently accommodate up to 11 overnight guests. Click here for more information.

• What are the fees?

  Research projects are charged a use fee based on the number of days they visit OSBS. Projects needing to establish long-term use of the Station or installation of semi-permanent or permanent infrastructure may be subject to a different fee based on the level of use and impacts. Fee waivers may be granted, but are at the discretion of the Station Director. Please see the fee schedule for a list of fees.

• How can I utilize the NEON data and resources?

  We suggest visiting the NEON website at data.neonscience.org to find out more information. 

• Is internet access available?

  Yes. The Station has high speed WiFi access at the Conservation center and the classroom. For short-term use (2 weeks or less), users may login with a UF guest access. For longer access, visitors will need to obtain a Gatorlink account.

• What resources are available for use at the Station?

  Some of these items are available at no charge, and others will incur a fee. Contact the Station prior to arrival if you need one or more of these items:

  • 4-wheel drive vehicles
  • boats
  • drying oven
  • portable scales
  • live animal traps
  • animal holding tools
  • Ph meter
  • snake leggings
  • sampling nets
  • small animal holding tanks
  • compasses
  • long and DBH tapes
  • spotting scope
  • fire PPE
  • spray equipment
  • laser range finders
  • fire management assistance
  • sample prep space
  • wet lab
  • clean room
  • classroom and meeting space
  • storage space
  • monitoring data

FAQs for Visitors

• Why is the station not open to the general public?

  The Station is private land and managed as an outdoor laboratory to support academic research, teaching, and extension programs and not a public park or preserve. However, long-term goals are to develop a designated area so that the public may have access for education and extension purposes. Click here for more information about the Station.

• Can I get involved with volunteering at OSBS?

  Yes. Click here for more information about our volunteer work opportunities.

• What should I bring for a day visit?

  Suggested Items:

  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Insect repellent (summer)
  • EpiPen (if you have severe allergic reactions)
  • Rain jacket
  • Light cotton long sleeve shirt when working in the wetlands (summer)
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • Day pack
  • Rite In Rain notebook
  • Cell phone
  • Transportation that can travel across dirt roads

FAQs for Educators

• What should I bring for an overnight visit?

  Overnight Lodging

  • 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 an onsite lodging facility.

  Click here for more information about our overnight lodging facilities.

• How can I use the Station for teaching and training?

  First time instructors visiting OSBS should contact the Station office at 352.475.2300 and ask to speak with the Associate Director regarding their proposed course use and logistical needs. The next step is to establish a project portal account on this website, which can be found along the top menu. Once the account request is received and approved, applicants can then log into the portal and begin submitting a teaching application. Once the application is approved, applicants will be notified via email regarding logistics and scheduling the visit. Faculty are required to complete an application for student class projects. Non-UF educational institutions are welcome to utilize the Station and should follow the same procedure as noted above.

  Returning courses: Once a course use is approved, instructors will NOT need to resubmit a new application for that course in the future. Returning instructors can update their approved teaching use permit in the Project Portal with new visit dates and any classroom use, resources, and instructor support that they may need.

• Is on-site lodging available for courses?

  The Station can currently accommodate up to 11 overnight guests. Three single-occupancy rooms are available at the Cofrin Cottage and eight beds in shared rooms are available at the bunkhouse. The Station also has a small RV campground with full hook-ups as well as primitive camping areas. Click here for more information.

• Is there internet access?

  The Station has high speed WiFi access at the Conservation center and the classroom. For short-term use (2 weeks or less), users may login with a UF guest access. For longer access, visitors will need to obtain a Gatorlink account.