About the Visiting Scholar Program at Pepperwood

Pepperwood's Visiting Scholar Program provides a unique opportunity for select scholars to pursue their research and data collection at Pepperwood’s 3,200-acre reserve, located in the headwaters of the Russian River watershed in the Mayacamas Mountains of Sonoma County, California. Pepperwood's field station and staff are uniquely positioned to fulfill critical roles in scientific research, systematic long-term data collection, and evidence-based stewardship.

Researchers from across the globe come to Pepperwood to study plant and animal life in Mediterranean ecosystems. Depending on your project type and level of funding, Pepperwood staff can provide a range of support services, including data sharing, housing, field access and navigation, project design and review, technical assistance, data management and analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Why Study at Pepperwood?

  • 3,200-acre Living Laboratory
  • Established Data Collection Site
  • Knowledge-sharing Networks
  • Housing & Facilities for Scholars

How to Apply

We invite you to click on the link below to complete your application for conducting research at Pepperwood in Sonoma County, CA. Upon submission, a member of our staff will promptly review your request and reach out to discuss the next steps.

Please note:

  • Our team usually requires 1–2 weeks to review applications.
  • Additional time may be required for project coordination, safety orientation, and access logistics.
  • Fieldwork, data collection, or equipment installation cannot begin until your project is formally approved and all necessary steps are completed.
  • If you need assistance within 72 hours, please get in touch with Metha Klock at mklock@pepperwoodpreserve.org.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on grant funding and donor support to sustain our work. If you’re applying for or managing a research grant that involves Pepperwood as a field site, we encourage you to include us as a funded collaborator or project partner whenever appropriate. Your support helps us continue to provide access, infrastructure, staff time, and—where possible—lodging and vehicle use to enable meaningful, place-based research.

We’re grateful for your interest and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you.