by Frank Mikan
Chair Science Department

The Wild West does still exist! For the past four years, St. Stephen’s has sent research expeditions into West Texas. Each expedition has focused on a particular research issue – ranging from the biota of the Davis Mountains’ “sky islands” to the history of mining in the Big Bend.

Expedition members have collaborated with researchers from Sul Ross University to study feral hog populations and problems that introduced species are causing in our few remaining wild areas. Additionally, Spartan scientists have been involved in collecting data on endangered Moctezuma quail and wild turkey populations. Several expeditions worked with the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, studying spring water quality and desert plants and wildlife. Geological expeditions have investigated the volcanic rocks of the Davis Mountains, the strata of the Marathon Uplift, and the silver and mercury mines of Shafter and Terlingua. Several dinosaur digs have been completed, and more are planned.

The expeditions have not all been strictly scientific; many have been interdisciplinary, with faculty from different departments organizing the research program. A group of art students studied landscape art and desert plants at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa. St. Stephen’s expeditions centered on theology, as well as archaeology, have visited the Oasis Ranch on Independence Creek near the Pecos.

In 2005-06, 10 expeditions will be sent out, each lasting 3-4 days and including two teachers and 8-10 students. The trips are open to all students with a serious interest in field research. A grant makes it possible to offer these expeditions at no additional cost to students.

Those interested in the expeditions should contact their science teacher or Frank Mikan, fmikan@sstx.org, 327.1213 x159.