The SGRC is adjacent to the Central Plains Experimental Range, established by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in 1939 after the dust bowl to study sustainability of cattle grazing (http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=10724).

          The nearby Pawnee National Grassland provides ample opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, biking, or horse-back riding at the Pawnee Buttes and other backcountry locations, and other recreational activities (www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/).

          Since the 1960s the area has been a site for broader studies of grassland ecosystems, most recently by the Shortgrass Steppe Long Term Ecological Research Project (www.sgslter.colostate.edu) funded by the National Science Foundation.

          Researchers, K-16 teachers and students have continuously studied and visited the area, and the mission of the SGRC is to provide state-of-the-art facilities to further support research and education, and to foster appreciation and understanding of the North American Grasslands.

          Tours guided by researchers are available with prior arrangement.