Research

SCWRS Research Program

Research at the St. Croix Watershed Research Station includes work by staff scientists, graduate students, and visiting researchers. We have the necessary scientific tools, from analytical instruments and high-powered microscopes for lab work, to boats and vehicles for fieldwork in remote regions.

Completed in 1994, the centerpiece Harmon Research Center houses five state-of-the-art laboratories, including the 1,000 square foot analytical lab, a sediment-dating lab, gamma spectrometry radioisotope tracer lab, wet lab, and microscopy lab.

Staff research focuses on scientifically and environmentally important questions on regional, national, and global scales. Studies include topics like land-water interaction, biogeochemistry, hydrology, restoration ecology, and aquatic biology. Relevant issues include eutrophication, toxic pollutants, climate change, erosion and sedimentation, and biodiversity.

St. Croix Watershed Research Station

Tracking Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Featured Research Project : Tracking Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)


The duration, frequency, and extent of harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing worldwide.

Staff Research


In-house researchers explore and answer ecological questions through watershed modeling, sediment sampling, habitat restoration, and much more.

Diatoms from Spring Creek, May 2015: photo by Mark Edlund

Visiting Research


The SCWRS can provide plots for long-term studies, access to the St. Croix River, facilities, lodging, field equipment, laboratory analyses and other services to visiting researchers.

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