About Us
Advancing conservation science through research, education, and partnerships across the Borderlands.
Our History
Understanding the need for information and the value of natural resource conservation, Sul Ross State University created the Borderlands Research Institute in spring 2007. The Institute is a natural expansion of a long-lasting partnership among private landowners; the Natural Resource Management Program at Sul Ross State University; and cooperating state, federal, and non-government organizations.
The Range and Wildlife Management program at Sul Ross was founded over 50 years ago on a simple notion “to obtain practical information to benefit land management decisions.” The Borderlands Research Institute will continue that tradition by focusing our research efforts on three interrelated emphases: 1) ecology and management of wildlife and their habitats, 2) rangeland management and restoration, and 3) conservation biology.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Borderlands Research Institute is to help conserve the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands through research, education, and outreach.
The goal of the Borderlands Research Institute is to provide land managers with the most current scientific information on the management of natural resources of the area.
To meet this goal, the Institute plans and conducts both applied and foundation research investigations on various aspects of the natural world and provides the results to the land managers so that they may more effectively manage the resources with which they are entrusted.
Research
We define conservation as “the care and management of natural resources.” Scientific inquiry is the backbone of conservation; without science our ability to make management decisions is diminished. The Borderlands Research Institute conducts research investigations on wildlife, rangelands, and other components of the Chihuahuan Desert to advance our understanding and our ability to make management decisions.
This research includes:
- Examples of the contributions the Borderlands Research Institute has made in conserving the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands are widespread.
- They range from studies investigating the impacts of exotic species on native wildlife populations
- To evaluating the effects of harvest strategies of economically important game species; to documenting travel corridors of rare species
- To devising economical methods to restore grasslands being overrun by invasive brush species
- To restoring ecosystem function to riparian habitats.
Education
As a unit of Sul Ross State University, education is an inherent element in the mission of the Borderlands Research Institute. The research projects that we conduct not only advance our ability to manage the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert, but they allow us to train and educate the next generation of wildlife biologists, range conservationists, and ranch managers—an important component of our mission.
Both undergraduate and graduate students are an integral part of our research team. The practical experiences gained by our students allow them to succeed as future resource managers. Our students frequently gain employment with state and federal resource agencies or with private consultants and ranches.
Outreach
As researchers and educators, one of our biggest challenges is bridging the gap between research, teaching, and outreach. This is especially true when it comes to getting pertinent information in the hands of those who make the most difference—land managers.
As we discover practical solutions to natural resource management problems, we share those solutions with private landowners and other resource managers via publications, websites, seminars, and workshops. The Borderlands Research Institute is committed to providing information to resource managers so they can make informed decisions regarding natural resource conservation.
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Borderlands Research Institute website! Thank you for taking the time to navigate through our website to learn more about the diverse research programs we manage, the tremendous educational opportunities we provide, and the outreach activities we engage in.
As you’ll see from our website, the Chihuahuan Desert is rich with life and beauty and helping preserve these important natural resources is our priority. Conservation of the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands is a responsibility shared by all—landowners, private companies, resource professionals, public agencies, and citizens of the United States and Mexico.
The research scientists, staff, and students of the Borderlands Research Institute are committed to our mission, but we need your help. To effectively conserve the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands, we are seeking partners. Partners that share the urgency of conservation, partners to help gather data, partners to collaborate with, and most importantly partners to help us financially.
If you appreciate the biological diversity that occurs in the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands, whether it is watching hummingbirds, driving the scenic routes, or hiking a mountain, I ask that you support our efforts and consider investing in the Borderlands Research Institute!
Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you!
Associate Provost of Research and Development at Sul Ross State University and
Dan Allen Hughes, Jr., Endowed Director of Borderlands Research Institute
Our Team
Employment
Join our team of researchers, educators, and conservation professionals
advancing science in the Borderlands.