Mountain Studies Institute

The Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is an independent not-for-profit mountain research and education center. It has an office on the Fort Lewis College campus and maintains a field station in Silverton, CO.

It enhances understanding and sustainable use of the San Juan Mountains through research and education. By focusing on a distinct mountain range, MSI activities serve the global mountain community and have broader application to the study of mountain systems - mountain environments, mountain people and their interactions.

Here's what the Institute does:

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 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 to undergraduates and the general public (offerings vary year to year).
Offers a summer science seminar series for the public.
Partners with Fort Lewis College to increase field-based student learning and research opportunities in the Mountain Studies Minor. It also offers a student Mountain Research Mini-Grant Program, FLC grant funding for class visits to Silverton and summer internships.

The Mountain Studies Institute, a Fort Lewis partner, enhances our understanding of the San Juan Mountains.