Educational Workshops, Field Trips and Seminars
The San Juan Basin Research Center (SJBRC) has enjoyed a good working
relationship with the Fort Lewis College Biology and Agricultural Sciences Department. Student
involvement ranges from participating in a lab class to actually
working on for an entire semester as an intern. Professors also
utilize the Research Center through class field trips and to
conduct research projects.
Fort Lewis College Observatory
Dr. Charles Hakes, Physics Professor, established an Observatory at the SJBRC in 2004. It is used by both students and community members.
Fort Lewis-Mesa Elementary School
In 1995, the Fort Lewis-Mesa Elementary School established
Fort Nature at the Research Center. Fort Nature is designed to
be a hands-on science classroom which offers teachers the opportunity
to bring their classes to the Research Center on educational
field trips to reinforce classroom lectures. The old Library
building at the Research Center serves as an extended classroom
and the headquarters for Fort Nature.
Strawbale Greenhouse
Fort Lewis College students designed and are building a strawbale greenhouse. The greenhouse has been used to grow native flowers and medicinal herbs. Eight flower beds were established from 2002-2005 using these plants. The greenhouse is available for student projects and community use. View more information.
"Old Fort" Garden and Demonstration Area
The frontage area between the two main driveways has been designed for a demonstration garden. A flower bed in the shape of the Fort Lewis brand was constructed in 2000. Demonstration trees and shrubs (obtained from NRCS) were planed along the highway in 2002. Ponderosa Pine trees were planted in 2002. Permaculture areas were established in SW corner in 2003. Pumpkins, gourds, native corn and rye grass have been studied by FLC students since 2003. Pumpkins and gourds were donated to Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and other preschools in Durango. View Demonstration Area Field Day information.
San Juan Hot Shots
In 2004, the Forest Service established the San Juan Hotshots here. They are based in the old President's House from April to October, when they are not working on a fire.
Mesa Verde Helitac Crew
In the Spring of 2005, a National Park Service helitac crew was stationed here. They have remodeled one of the houses and built a helicopter pad and shed. They are active from mid-April until mid-October.
Fort Lewis Mesa Volunteer Fire Department
The volunteer fire department has a long history here at SJBRC. They store three trucks and maintain a fuel station here.
Durango Nature Studies
In 1995, the Durango Nature Studies group began utilizing
the Research Center for a few of their nature programs. Durango
Nature Studies is a non-profit environmental education organization
designed tocreate opportunities for people of all ages to get
outdoors and expand their horizons and knowledge of nature.
Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination Class
The San Juan Basin Research Center in conjunction with American
Breeders Service and the La Plata County Extension Office has
on request offered a class to teach the technique of artificial
insemination (AI) in beef cattle to any and all interested persons.
A minimum of 10 people with a maximum of 20 people are required for the class to be offered.
Four Corners Beef Cow Symposium
The San Juan Basin Research Center assists the southwestern
Colorado Cooperative Extension Agents and San Juan County Extension
Agent in Farmington, New Mexico in the planning and producing
of the annual Four Corners Beef Cow Symposium. This symposium
is held each year in either Durango, Cortez, or Pagosa Springs,
Colorado or in Farmington, New Mexico and is designed to keep
farmers and ranchers informed on the latest developments and
research information and techniques related to beef cattle production.
Plant Materials Lab
Plans are currently underway to develop a plant materials
lab at the Research Center. This lab will be open to the public
and contain a variety of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees.
It is intended to be utilized by the public for educational purposes
as well as to aid people in their planting decisions.
Community Activities
- 4-Corners Beef Symposium
- 4-H club meetings
- CO-AMP Middle School Summer camp
- Cub Scout Day camp
- Draft Horse and Mule Association Meetings and Jamborees
- DOW Youth Hunt
- Family reunions
- Fire Department picnics
- FLC field classes (Range, Soils, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, Field Zoology, Orinthology)
- Old Fort Jackpot
- San Juan Basin Archeological Society meetings
- San Juan Mountain Association's Weed Walk
- Small Farms Conference
- Weddings
- Wild land fire training
- Yoga retreats
