What is Archbold?
We’re a field station nestled in the Headwaters of the Everglades, where we explore, teach, and share discoveries about the natural world. For over 80 years, our scientists have been uncovering the rhythms of nature, building and sharing the knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida and beyond. 🌿
What guides our work at Archbold? 🌱
Our science is driven by our commitment to protect Florida’s life, lands, and waters. We focus our efforts where research can make the biggest difference—safeguarding rare species, sustaining grasslands, connecting landscapes and wildlife corridors, and understanding how carbon, fire, and water shape our future.
It’s research with purpose: turning decades of data into solutions for the future of Florida’s ecosystems.
Why does long-term data matter?
The rhythms of nature unfold slowly. That’s why Archbold scientists have spent more than 80 years tracking Florida’s ecosystems, detecting trends, predicting changes, and guiding conservation.
It’s how science becomes action—empowering smarter decisions for a sustainable future.
At Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch, science and stewardship go hand in hand. Researchers and cattle producers share the same space, asking the same question — how can we continue to improve how we care for the land so it thrives for generations?
Research at Buck Island Ranch has shown that, in many cases, removing cattle from the landscape can reduce ecosystem health, including the visible loss of grasslands and increased shrub encroachment.
It’s a powerful reminder that healthy rangelands are not about competing interests but instead, about creating systems where both cattle production and ecological health can thrive together.
During the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, stories like this highlight the importance of continued research, stewardship, and collaboration in sustaining resilient grazinglands for the future.
Watch the full episode of “Voices of America’s Grazinglands: Science & Stewardship” at the link in our bio or on our YouTube channel.
🎥: @sweetbriarcreative
#IYRP #VoicesOfGrazinglands #SustainableBeef #DrivingProgress ContinuousImprovement
No matter the translation, Florida black bears play an important role in keeping wild Florida connected. 🐻
Whether you describe them as an umbrella species helping shape conservation planning across the state… or simply “friend shaped,” black bears remind us how important connected habitat is for both wildlife and people.
Some classrooms require water shoes 💦
At Archbold’s ecology summer camps, campers spend their days exploring seasonal wetlands, learning about Florida ecosystems, and experiencing science outside the classroom. Our ages 7–9 sessions are now full, but a few spots remain for ages 10–12.
Head to the “Events” link in our bio to register your camper today!
Rangelands make up nearly 1/5 of Florida’s land area.
From above, they stretch across the landscape — open and full of life. However, what you don’t see at first glance is the balance behind it all.
At Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch, every pasture offers a window into a complex system where water, wildlife, soil and cattle are all connected. It’s a place where science is applied in real time, shaping how the land is understood and managed every day.
“You don’t typically see scientists and cowboys in the same pasture, but it works, because we all have the same goal,” shares Mary Margaret Hardee, Ranch/Research Resource Coordinator at Buck Island Ranch.
Throughout the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, we’re recognizing the people and practices that keep these landscapes resilient — because when ranchlands thrive, so does everything connected to them.
Watch the full episode of Voices of America’s Grazinglands: Science & Stewardship at the link in our bio or find it on our YouTube channel.
🎥: @sweetbriarcreative
#IYRP #VoicesOfGrazinglands #SustainableBeef #DrivingProgress #ContinuousImprovement
🤝 Last week, Glades Electric had the privilege of participating in the United Way Highlands County Day of Caring to assist local non-profits with special projects. Our team of 9 worked @archboldstation to prepare trails for summer camp students who gain an invaluable experience in our unique scrub habitat each summer.
Our employees were part of the 564 people from across the county lending helping hands to our community’s non-profit organizations. We are grateful to the @uwcf for organizing this day that brings our community together to be Neighbors Helping Neighbors. 💚
📸: Rayb D Photography
Some nights at Archbold, the sky speaks for itself.
Nights are still dark here on the Lake Wales Ridge, but that’s becoming less common across much of Florida because of urbanization and land use changes. As International Dark Sky Week comes to a close, it’s a reminder that natural darkness is part of what defines this landscape.
📷: Anthony Sleiman (@anthsleiman )
🌴 COMING SOON | Episode 1 of Voices of America’s Grazinglands, “Science & Stewardship,” is premiering next week at the USRSB General Assembly Meeting.
Filmed in Florida, this episode showcases the science, innovation, and stewardship behind a unique ecosystem and the care that goes into sustaining resilient grazinglands.
It ties into this year’s General Assembly theme, “Science & Stewardship: Driving Progress,” and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) — celebrating the people and practices shaping grazinglands here in the U.S. and around the world.
We can’t wait to premiere the full episode with you soon!
#IYRP #VoicesOfGrazinglands #DrivingProgress #SustainableBeef #ContinuousImprovement
🎥: @sweetbriarcreative
Taking “go touch grass” a bit more literally than most—but for a good reason.
Our Plant Ecology team spends time searching for rare species like Hypericum edisonianum across all stages of growth, from established plants to tiny, easy-to-miss seedlings often hidden in dense vegetation. It’s not always glamorous, but this kind of close, detailed work is essential for understanding how these populations establish, persist, and change over time.
