Welcome to the Fort Collins Science Center

...Developing and disseminating science-based information and tools needed for understanding the Nation’s biological resources in support of effective decision making.

Learn more about the Fort Collins Science Center

Fiscal Year 2010 Science Accomplishments

Driving Directions

SAHM for VisTrails

The Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling (SAHM) expedites habitat modeling while maintaining configuration options for species distribution models.

Snakes in the Wrong Places

USGS research zoologist Gordon G. Rodda did not foresee that his professional future was in snakes. Lots of snakes, and in places they don’t belong.

Giant Constrictor Snakes in Florida

USGS scientists are investigating the ecology and control of giant constrictors in Florida.

Snake Surge

In Florida, giant constrictor snakes threaten native wildlife. FORT scientist Bob Reed discusses how research helps to manage these exotic invaders.

Seeing the Forest and the Trees

Learn how Meritorious Award recipient Dr. Craig Allen has linked climate change and forest die-off in the U.S. Southwest to forest changes worldwide.

Landsat Survey

Understanding the value of the imagery provided by Landsat satellites is essential as future land-imaging initiatives move forward.

High Throughput Computing

FORT scientists are using High Throughput and Performance Computing to distribute and run highly complex analytical processes.

Molecular Ecology Lab

FORT’s Molecular Ecology Lab develops scientifically rigorous research programs to resolve conservation biology & natural resource management issues.

Cranes and Drones

Reaching for the sky: Using a “Raven” to count Cranes.

Bats on the Brink

White-nose syndrome threatens the survival of hibernating cave bats in North America.

In the News

USGS Survey Shows National Wildlife Refuges Rate Highly for Visitors

Surveying visitors at William L. Finley NWR near Corvallis, Ore. Photo by George Gentry, USFWS.

More than 10,000 visitors to the country’s National Wildlife Refuge System say they are happy with their experiences on national wildlife refuges, according to just-published results from a survey by the U.S. Geological Survey. Some 90 percent of visitors to national wildlife refuges who were surveyed indicate they are satisfied with each of four key refuge offerings: services provided by employees or volunteers, recreational opportunities, refuge information and education, and the refuge’s job of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked with social science experts at the USGS to conduct a scientific, independent national survey of refuge visitors to better understand visitor needs and experiences. The information will help the Service manage visitation to the refuges and design programs and facilities that respond to visitor needs while conserving wildlife.

The survey was conducted during 2010 and 2011 at 53 refuges across the country. Results provide a summary of visitor and trip characteristics, visitor opinions about refuges and their offerings, and visitor opinions about alternative transportation and climate change. National combined results are available at http://www.fort.usgs.gov/products/publications/pub_abstract.asp?PubID=23447 and individual refuge results can be accessed at http://www.fort.usgs.gov/products/publications/pub_abstract.asp?PubID=23308.

National Wildlife Refuges Rate Highly for Visitors, USGS Survey Finds