Lava Beds Research Center Attracts Scientist from Many Disciplines Geology "An on-site center enables researchers to invest precious field time most efficiently, and also favors productive interactions with park staff who, in turn, will benefit directly from the new discoveries." -- Dr. Julie Donnelly-Nolan, geologist, co-author of "The geologic map of Lava Beds National Monument," and "Geology of Lava-tube Caves at Lava Beds National Monument." Biology "Lava Beds is one of California's few remaining wild places still rich with wildlife." -- Christopher Richard, biologist, Oakland Museum of California, principal investigator of a study of ferns at cave entrances. Archeology "Lava Beds is a key site in western North American prehistory, a place where evidence of prehistoric occupation extends back 9,000 years. Much remains to be learned about ancient Native American people here. We found several archeological sites that had never been recorded." -- Dr. Jerald Jay Johnson, Chair, Department of Anthropology, and Directory, Institute of Archeology and Cultural studies, California State University. Bat Specialist "Lava Beds is a refuge for some of the most significant bat colonies in the region. If we study them we can learn how to protect them." -- Dr. Elizabeth Pierson, biologist, principal investigator for a study of the foraging habits of Townsend's Big-Eared Bats at Lava Beds. Supporters Talk About the Lava Beds "The stark serenity of the lava beds is a magnet that draws me back to this unique landscape time and again. The more I learn about this environment the more respect I have for nature's infinite variations. The potential of this research center to expand our knowledge of the Lava Beds is extremely exciting." -- Peri Frantz, software engineering manager, cave photographer, and Cave Research Foundation member. "As a photographer Lava Beds National Monument has always fascinated me. The ever changing vistas above ground and the colorful passages below ground have strong esthetic appeal. The research station will make a fine base for further documentation and monitoring of the resources in the monument." -- Bill Frantz, computer engineer, CRF Principle Investigator for the photomonitoring program, cave photographer. Comments on the Research Center "A research center will foster a much improved understanding of the Lava Beds and will ultimately enrich the experience of visitors." -- Dr. Y. Paul Puri, President of the Lava Beds Natural History Association and retired directory of the University of California Agricultural Experiment Station at Tulelake. "This center will attract university professors, graduate students, and other researchers who are often short on research funds but long on ability, enthusiasm, and dedication." -- Dr. Janet Sowers, research and consulting geologist, Technical Director of the Cave Research Foundation cave inventory project at Lava Beds, and Chairman, Campaign Committee. "The Research Center will facilitate research and conservation... by sharing space, time, and ideas among researchers working within a common facility and being exposed to ideas and information outside their area of expertise." -- Willian Devereaux, Oregon Army National Guard, Field Director of the Cave Research Foundation cave inventory project at Lava Beds. "I have been a member of the Board of the National History Association for the past 34 years. Completion of a Research Center here at the Lava Beds will bne one of the most significant benefits for visitors that I have witnessed during my tenure." -- James Aslett, Board Member of the NHA. "A research center located within Lava Beds National Monument will fill a significant void in the monument's ability to attract and support legitimate researchers and educational organizations." -- Craig Dorman, Superintendent, Lava Beds National Monument.       Front Page... Research Center... What ... Where... Why... Who... How... Visitor Center... Page last updated 02/24/2005