Organization of Biological Field Stations

Supporting Environmental Research, Education and Public Understanding

The Function of Field Stations and Marine Labs

Biological field stations and marine laboratories (FSMLs) provide living libraries and outdoor laboratories for students, researchers, and the general public. They vary greatly in form and purpose, and include both marine laboratories whose focus is offshore, as well as terrestrial reserves dedicated to protecting key ecosystems. Field stations vary in size from a few urban acres to thousands of acres spread across a remote landscape. Station facilities might range from trail networks to state-of-the-art laboratories. Whatever form individual field stations may take, they all share the same commitment to advancing our understanding of the Earth by supporting research, teaching, and public education. Research stations provide an invaluable service to local communities and the country by providing unbiased scientific information and facilities to help governmental and other stakeholders tackle critical environmental issues.

Field station staff and researchers provide place-based information ensuring that environmental considerations are factored into local and regional planning and development decisions.

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"You do realize what that summer...did to us, don't you? Made us realize we could actually do science.

Jeff, past student at a field station

"Field stations are places where we can read the book of life in the language in which it was written."

— James Kirchner, U.C. Berkeley

Discussion Board

Discussion Board

Contribute to ongoing discussions and review content and Q&As developed for FSML staff

Job Postings

Job Posting

Operating a field station for research and education presents many challenges. Here are opportunities for people who thrive at FSMLs.

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2024 Annual Meeting November 11-15, 2024

The 2024 annual meeting will be held November 11-15 in South Carolina by the Baruch Institutes of Hobcaw Barony (co-hosted by Clemson Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science and University of South Carolina Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences as well as our illustrious OBFS Vice President, Skip Van Bloem). The dates selected are later than usual to avoid hurricanes that would disrupt travel and the meeting itself. Last day to register for the annual meeting is October 11th!

You can now view the OBFS Annual Schedule here as well as the OBFS full program!

Registration Information! 

Can't make it? Register here to attend virtually!

special event

Special OBFS Event

Join us on Friday, November 15th from 5-7 p.m. at Georgetown Public Library 405 Cleland St. Georgetown SC! 

Get Your Tickets Now! 

With Special Speaker Patrick D. McMillan, PhD, this is an event you will not want to miss. Patrick's expertise and commitment to conservation resonate deeply, making him a voice that will inspire us all to appreciate and protect our natural world. Join us for an enlightening session filled with insights, stories, and a fresh perspective on the beauty of nature that you won’t want to miss!
View his full bio

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News and Events

OBFS 2024 Meeting Support Awards

Application Material Deadline: September 30th, 2024 It is with great pleasure that we announce the…

Nominations for OBFS Officers are Open!

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OBFS August 2024 Newsletter

Read the August 2024 OBFS Newsletter here!

2024 OBFS Historian Report

This has been a landmark year for OBFS Historical Resources as, on 2/8/2024, the OBFS…

2024 Annual Meeting November 11-15, 2024

The 2024 annual meeting will be held November 11-15 in South Carolina by the Baruch Institutes of Hobcaw Barony (co-hosted…

Field Stations and Marine Labs

Donate to OBFS! 

OBFS is a non-profit organization and you can help further and sustain its mission through your generous support. Please consider a generous donation in support of our work to help shape the future of field science in your community!