Advancing Ecological Research
Preserving Texas Land
Collaborating with Landowners throughout Texas
WELCOME TO THE TEXAS ECOLOGICAL LABORATORY
What is the Texas Ecological Laboratory?
The Texas Ecological Laboratory “EcoLab” Program offers researchers unparalleled access to private lands across Texas, creating opportunities to conduct groundbreaking ecological studies in pristine and diverse environments. By partnering with landowners, researchers can explore critical topics in farming, ranching, and wildlife management while benefiting from grant funding to support their work.
This program fosters collaboration between universities and private landowners, ensuring that research contributes to farming, ranching, and wildlife management purposes. With participation from leading institutions like The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Tyler, The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M San Antonio, Trinity University, Rice University, Texas State University, Baylor College of Medicine, and University of Houston, among others, the EcoLab Program is driving innovation and advancing scientific understanding of Texas’ open spaces.
The Texas Ecolab program has an impressive track record of success. It has successfully achieved Ecolab status for over 394 clients, covering approximately 60,078 acres. Through this program, clients have contributed grants exceeding $4 million to support 16 state universities and colleges. Additionally, the program has collaborated with 51 different appraisal districts, showcasing its broad reach and impact.
Researchers are invited to submit proposals for 2025 projects, with the opportunity to study on properties already participating or newly available in the program. Researchers who are interested in participating in the program in 2025 can submit proposals now.
BENEFITS OF TEXAS ECOLOGICAL LABORATORY
RESEARCH
The Texas Ecological Laboratory Program provides researchers and universities with unique access to private lands across Texas, offering opportunities to study ecosystems that might otherwise remain inaccessible. By opening the door to these diverse and pristine environments, the program advances scientific discovery and contributes to a deeper understanding of Texas' open spaces.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Texas Ecological Laboratory program provides a positive impact on the environment. Effective stewardship of land can provide a resurgence of wildlife and plant species on the property. Our research initiatives aim to enhance understanding of open space land devoted to farm, ranch, and wildlife management practices.
PROPERTY OWNERS
Through the research conducted, landowners have an opportunity to learn unique things about their properties. By hosting research on their land, they can qualify for an open-space valuation.
RESEARCHERS
Click on the Register button and register for a Researcher's account. Once you have successfully registered on the website, go to "Submit an Application" under "Researcher Tasks" and submit an application to perform research on selected properties.
You will be able to view the properties currently available for research grants and apply to conduct research on properties that interest you.
The ecological research must be able to demonstrate a benefit to farming, ranching or wildlife management. Most researchers of natural resources find it easy to explain how they qualify.
LANDOWNERS
Are you a landowner looking to reduce the property taxes on your land? Are you interested in increasing the amount of native wildlife and plant species on your property?
If so, Texas Ecological Laboratory may be an ideal opportunity for you.
For more information, please contact Texas Ecological Laboratory at 512-894-5426.
