Habitat for Biologists

We did it!

Through the generosity of donors, we have reached our fundraising goals and raised over $50,000 for the construction of Cabin #30. The cabin is nearly complete.

Thanks to our many donors!

Our next Habitat for Biologists event is scheduled for September 22 – 24, 2006! Contact Laurie Hennen at 612-624-9460 for more information.

Fundraising continues for historic Cabin #4.

Update on progress toward goals

Restoration of historic cabin for faculty (Cabin 4)

Pledge form

New Cabin 27 Construction Movies

New Cabin 27 for women students

What and Why

Since its founding 95 years ago, the Lake Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories has been the University of Minnesota's premier field station.  A vast natural laboratory at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca is the place where hands-on learning has inspired generations of students to love biology.  Studying at Itasca has become the quintessential experience for biologists at the University of Minnesota. 

Some of the facilities at Itasca are deteriorating, and as a consequence of dwindling state support for the University, the College of Biological Sciences has not had the money to invest in restoration or upgrading of buildings.  Instead, the College has focused its limited resources on maintaining and expanding the high-quality teaching and research programs delivered at Itasca. 

The facilities needs have become critical now.  Therefore, the College is undertaking two campaigns:

1) to raise $150,000 with the help of Professor Emeritus John Tester to rebuild historic Cabin #4 for field biology and laboratory faculty and visiting scientists; and

2) to raise $50,000 for a new student cabin for women to replace Cabin #30, which was condemned and demolished last fall.

The College encourages anyone with an interest in Itasca to consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of either of these projects.  Please print out the pledge form from this site and mail it in to the address listed on the bottom of the form. 

Both of these projects are important steps in upgrading the facilities at Itasca.  Moreover, Dean Elde hopes that these projects will help to raise the University’s awareness of the importance of Itasca to our constituencies and to lift Itasca on the University’s priority list when it comes to addressing other urgent facilities needs at Itasca.