Research Opportunities on Nature Conservancy Preserves

Preserves owned and managed by the Conservancy are available for conservation-related research projects that are compatible with our mission. A permit is required for any research project conducted on Conservancy land.

How to Apply for a Research Permit

To apply for a research permit, please download and fill out our research permit application (.DOC, 6 KB), and send it to us electronically, if possible. Appropriate Conservancy staff will be involved with reviewing the application, including scientists, land managers and program directors. We also coordinate with staff of other agencies, in particular the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, for many of our research permits.

We strongly advise prospective researchers to submit completed applications early. We strive to provide good service and to keep the application process as simple as possible. Depending on the complexity of the request, necessary reviewers, staff availability and other factors, it may take as long as a month to issue the permit. A permit will be issued within one month of receipt for those projects that qualify.

Eligibility to Conduct Research

We welcome all researchers to apply. Past researchers have included university professors, undergraduate and graduate students, independent consultants and agency scientists.