access to tyson

Tyson is a gated facility with restricted access for the purpose of environmental research and education. All users must obtain an access card and provide emergency contact information to the Tyson office. Persons eligible (upon approval) for access include students, faculty and staff of Washington University and other educational and/or research institutions. Groups or individuals requiring appointments but not access cards include vendors or one-time visitors to the Tyson facilities and tour groups.

Please note: access to Tyson is by prior permission only.

Tyson personnel are on duty from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding university holidays). Persons needing access at other times must contact the Tyson office about obtaining gate access.

Conducting research at Tyson

Researchers wanting to conduct research at Tyson must fill out a research application. 

Researchers are restricted to areas designated in the research plan and general support facilities. All field materials must be removed, all buildings cleared, and all gate access cards and keys must be returned at the conclusion of the study.

Publications resulting from work conducted at Tyson must acknowledge Tyson Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis. A PDF of the paper should be emailed to the main office or to tyson@wustl.edu.

Researchers may request the use of exclusive study areas. If granted, access will be limited to Tyson staff for routine duties or emergencies only.

Investigators studying animals must obtain a Wildlife Collectors Permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Endangered species require both state and federal permits.

The Animal Studies Committee of Washington University must review all protocols involving the use of vertebrates in research, teaching, or demonstration projects. Washington University personnel must contact the Washington University Animal Studies Committee for information about submitting protocols for approval.

Non-Washington University researchers may substitute an equivalent animal care protocol document, if approved, from the researcher's home institution. In such cases, please provide Washington University Tyson Research Center a copy of the home institution's approved animal care document.

general REGULATIONS

All visitors and users are responsible for their transportation to and from Tyson. Transportation within Tyson is by foot, private vehicle or, with permission, university-owned vehicle.

Entry to Tyson does not constitute permission to visit the facilities of the Endangered Wolf Center, which is responsible for the safety and behavior of its own staff and guests at Tyson.

Tyson access card holders are not entitled to escort or admit guests to Tyson without prior permission. The sharing of gate access cards and/or loaning of a gate key (or any other key) is prohibited. Duplication of keys is prohibited and is unlawful.

Tyson does not encourage users to bring pets to the facility. Pets brought to Tyson must remain in the owners' vehicle.

No recreational hunting is permitted on the property. Poachers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No flowers, fruits or fungi may be picked, and no plants, mushrooms, fossils or geologic specimens, or artifacts may be removed, added, or collected except with prior authorization from the Director. Those conducting research at Native American archaeological sites must also obtain proper authorization from state and/or national governing agencies.

No animals may be removed from or introduced to Tyson without prior permission from the Director.

Smoking is not allowed and firearms are not permitted on site per Washington University policies.

Compliance with the laws of the United States of America, the State of Missouri and St. Louis County is mandatory. This includes adherance to the Non-Discrimination Policy of Washington University in St. Louis.

volunteer policy

We do not accept volunteer help or unpaid labor for research led by Tyson-affiliated Principal Investigators. As part of our commitment to social justice we strive to provide equitable access to research opportunities by paying fair wages for research assistance. Exceptions to this rule are for specific circumstances such as when a student is conducting an independent research project in exchange for course credit during the academic year, or participation in student group activities through the Tyson Conservation Corps or ESA SEEDS STL.

Professionalism in a field research community

At Tyson, we aim to foster a collegial, professional, and productive environment. To achieve this goal, we ask members of the Tyson community to be polite, responsible, and punctual, and to contribute meaningfully to the station at large. While our community climate appears to be somewhat casual, please always keep professionalism in mind.

Within the Tyson community there will be a wide variety of ages, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, gender identifications, and religious or non-religious belief systems. Some differences may not be easily seen, and some individuals may not feel comfortable sharing that they are different from the majority. In order to foster an inclusive work environment, Tyson users are expected to be respectful of everyone, and to take steps to address any cultural insensitivity that you witness or hear about. You may speak directly with Kim Medley or Susan Flowers about concerns or use the anonymous comment boxes located in both Headquarters bathrooms.

We value the presence of researchers of all ages at Tyson, from pre-college youth to seasoned faculty. We appreciate your assistance in creating a welcoming field station community.