Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program Grant

Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Audubon: Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
Amount: Up to US $1,500
Last Updated: January 20, 2026

Summary

The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program supports young scientists conducting research aimed at preserving and enhancing grassland ecosystems in southeastern Arizona. With a focus on conservation, research, and education, the program offers a cash award and housing voucher to facilitate impactful studies on climate change, community engagement, and species conservation. This initiative not only fosters scientific rigor but also encourages a new generation of conservationists dedicated to safeguarding vital ecosystems.

Overview

About Us The Research Ranch is a cooperative partnership among the National Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy, Swift Current Land & Cattle and The Research Ranch Foundation. The 8,000 acres are managed by Audubon and portions of the land include the Coronado National Forest and Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The property is surrounded by 5 million acres of semi-desert grassland and forested mountains covering southeastern Arizona and adjacent portions of Mexico and New Mexico. For more than 30 years, the Research Ranch has protected grassland ecosystems through conservation, research, and education. The Research Ranch has three main goals: Conservation: to be a premier semi-arid grassland ecosystem that fosters a natural diversity of native species Research: to understand how grasslands and related ecosystems function, and to recognize the key elements that safeguard these ecosystems Education: to advocate for grassland ecosystems by encouraging community members and policy makers to safeguard and rehabilitate native ecosystems throughout the region The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch  (AWRR) Fellowship Program At Audubon Southwest, we seek science-based solutions to the biggest threats facing the region’s birds, other wildlife, habitats, and communities. We need sound science to tell us what birds need, and we believe that securing conservation wins tomorrow depends on fostering a young, diverse cohort of aspiring scientists today. That is why we offer our annual Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch (AWRR) Research Fellowships! Through this program, we offer support to young scientists embarking on research with the potential to further Frank and Ariel Appleton’s founding mission of the Research Ranch – to leave the land better than we found it. Supported research includes, but is not limited to, studies focused on: Grassland conservation Arizona Species of Greatest Conservation Need Ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation Natural history at any scale Impacts of climate change and aridification Community engagement in science and conservation Fellowship details A Cash award of $1000 to be used on any research-related expenses; gear, books, travel, conferences, etc.A $500 Housing voucher to be used for lodging on the Research Ranch.Opportunities to share their work through our annual AWRR Fellowship Webinar Series and Audubon websites, newsletters, social media, and more.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must: Be between the ages of 18 and 30 Be conducting conservation related research in Southeastern Arizona Demonstrate a strong conservation ethic Show a commitment to scientific rigor by presenting a well-designed study