The Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is an independent, non-advocacy, not-for-profit 501(c)3 mountain research and education institution and high-altitude field station established in 2002 in Silverton, CO. MSI also operates an office on campus at Fort Lewis College in nearby Durango, CO.

MSI's mission is to enhance understanding and sustainable use of the San Juan Mountains through research and education. While the Institute focuses on a distinct mountain range, its activities have broader application to the study of mountain systems across the globe, including mountain environments, mountain people and their interactions. MSI serves students, educators, researchers, land and environmental managers, elected officials and the public within the region and beyond.

MSI is using research and education as a sustainable economic development model for mountain communities.

What does MSI do?

• Directly participates in research projects.
• Facilitates the research of scientists from colleges, universities, government agencies, and non-profits.
• Connects scientists with each other and with regional stakeholders through State of the San Juans conferences, research retreats, and other activities and networking efforts.
• Designs and manages outreach and training activities and materials, often related to our research projects.
• Provides educational programming for visiting classes.
• Designs and teaches educational courses for K-12 teachers, undergraduates, and the general public (offerings vary year to year).
• Offers a summer seminar series and natural history walks to the public.
• Partners with Fort Lewis College to increase student learning opportunities in the Mountain Studies Minor.

Research Services

• Grants Administration
• Proposal Development
• Public Lands Permitting
• Hiring and supervision of local field/lab assistants
• Field Site selection
• Summer Lab Facilities
• GIS Mapping
• Scientific Database

Examples of Past Educational Programs for college and university students, K-12 teachers, and the general public

• Natural History and Geography in the San Juan Mountains
• Science of Astronomy and the Practice of Skywatching
• Natural History and Ecology of the San Juan Mountains
• Mountain Geography for Educators
• Geotechnologies (Geographic Information Systems/GPS)
• Snow Systems

Examples of Specialized Education Programs

• Mountain Studies Minor, Fort Lewis College
• Winter Ecology/Snow Science Field Camp support (provided by MSI and the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies)
• Ecology, Sense of Place, Wetlands, Water Quality, History and Cultural Awareness, etc.

Facilities

• Accommodations
• Class and Meeting Rooms with Audio/Visual Equipment
• Computer Lab and Wireless Internet Access
• Community Kitchen
• Summer Lab