The Sevilleta Field Station: Construction of a Desert-Plant Lath House and a Shop/Storage Building

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The newly constructed Sevilleta Field Station serves a large number of scientists who study the extensive and ecologically diverse region of central New Mexico. The region incorporates transition zones among numerous biomes, including Great Plains Grassland, Chihuahuan Desert, Great Basin Shrub-Steppe, Interior Chaparral, Mogollon (Pinon- Juniper) Woodland, and Montane Forests. Additional biotic assemblages within these biomes include Rio Grande "Bosque" (Riparian Cottonwood Forest ) and Wetlands, Subalpine Forests, and Subalpine Grasslands. Much of the current scientific research in the region focuses on biotic responses to climate change at various spatial and temporal time scales (seasonal , annual, and long-term), biodiversity issues, and ecosystem restoration following natural and anthropogenic disturbance. Funding levels for the current year's research activities exceeds $7.25 million, and continues to increase. At present, there are 70 scientists and graduate students working on 49 active research projects in the Sevilleta region. The Sevilleta Field Research Station provides logistical support to a large proportion of these projects. The Sevilleta Field Research Station has expanded with the construction of new residences and laboratory facilities to meet the growing demand for field logistical support. This project will increase the research support capability of the Sevilletta Field Research Station. The construction of a lath house and experimental garden, that will be used in germinating and establishing native plants for a variety of research and educational projects will add significantly to station research capability. In addition, the station will provide an indoor storage facility for field equipment, and a workshop area for equipment construction and maintenance. This addition to the station will significantly expand the botanical and genetics research opportunities on the Sevillets, and provide greater logistical support for virtually all ongoing ecological field research activities in central New Mexico.