St. Olaf College strongly encourages the use of its lands for educational and research activities. We want to maintain the Natural Lands for long-term by using the lands with minimal disturbance. It is important for the Curator and Director of Natural Lands to know where ongoing projects are located so that routine management activities (burning, mowing, clearing brush, etc.) do not adversely impact study areas.
A permit is required for projects (including class exercises) in the Natural Lands that include any of the following:
- flags, tags or other markers that will remain when the researcher is not present at the study site
- collecting plants or plant parts, including seeds or tree cores
- collecting, trapping, or tagging vertebrate or invertebrate animals
- introduction of living organisms
- soil disturbance
If you propose to dig holes or drive stakes into the ground, the area marked on the map must also be evaluated for potential underground utility conflicts. Unlabelled flags/tags will be removed.
Before you start a project, please complete the application below.