Borderlands Research Institute

10/16/2026

On September 8th, Graduate student Christopher Mott and Undergrad BUMP student David Cox traveled to Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, Nevada. The two participated in waterfowl captures, with an emphasis on Chris’s study species, Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera).

Chris’s thesis examines local area habitat use, along with dietary preferences of Cinnamon Teal in the Pahranagat Valley. This site is categorized as a high-quality wetland complex and potentially crucial stopover site for Cinnamon Teal throughout their fall and spring migration. Throughout the capture, f***l samples were taken to give Chris a snapshot of dietary preferences at the site. Birds were then banded, and eligible specimens were fitted with GPS backpack trackers to monitor movement patterns of the species across local, regional, and nation / international scales. These metrics will uncover a deeper understanding of the importance of this stopover site and allow waterfowl biologists to improve management decisions.

All birds were handled with proper permitting.

10/15/2026

MYTH vs. FACT

Myth: “Wildlife conservation happens mostly in parks and public lands.”

Fact: In West Texas, conservation also happens on working lands. More than 95% of West Texas is private land, so ranchers and private landowners play an enormous role in maintaining wildlife habitat and putting research into practice.

These images show how ranchers can help pronghorn (which will not jump fences) by adjusting the bottom height of fences.

🤠 + 🦌 = conservation partners.

10/14/2026

Sometimes, getting a bird’s-eye view can make a huge difference in wildlife conservation. At the BRI, drones are one of the tools our researchers use to better understand wildlife and the habitats they depend on. From surveying hard-to-reach terrain to gathering detailed imagery and data across large landscapes, drones can give researchers a new perspective while complementing traditional fieldwork.

The information collected from above can help us better understand habitat conditions and monitor changes on the landscape. It’s another example of how BRI combines innovative technology with our research to help conserve the wildlife and wild places of West Texas.

10/13/2026

Meet one of BRI’s newest graduate researchers!

Shefin Singh is pursuing a master’s degree at Sul Ross State University while conducting research with the Borderlands Research Institute. Their work focuses on Southwestern Willow Flycatchers and Yellow-billed Cuckoos, two riparian bird species of conservation concern in the Southwest.

In this student spotlight, Shefin shares what brought them to BRI, their interests within wildlife ecology, and a little about the research they’ll be conducting.
Follow along as we highlight the students, projects, and partnerships helping advance wildlife research and conservation across West Texas and beyond.

10/12/2026

Good research doesn’t stop with the data. It gives people information they can put to work on the land.

New BRI study results examined eight different approaches to restoring retired oil and gas well pads in Midland County. Researchers compared vegetation recovery, erosion, and soil health to understand which practices can help native plant communities become reestablished.

The results point toward practical restoration strategies that could benefit land managers and industry partners across West Texas.

Read more about the research and what the team discovered: https://bri.sulross.edu/well-pad-restoration/

10/09/2026

Mike and Jared had a great time demonstrating the rainfall simulator to a wonderful group of 3rd and 4th graders in Monahans yesterday at the Kids, Kows, and More Expo! The students got a hands-on look at how rainfall impacts the land and the importance of soil and water conservation. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible!

10/08/2026

After helping keep the many moving parts of Borderlands Research Institute operations running smoothly, Bill Adams is taking his experience to a university-wide role at Sul Ross State University.

As the new Assistant Vice President of Research Administration and Sponsored Programs, Bill will help strengthen the systems, resources and support that make research possible across Sul Ross. And while we’ll miss having him at the center of BRI’s day-to-day operations, we’re excited to have a trusted colleague and partner helping advance research across the university.

Congratulations, Bill, on this exciting next chapter!

Read more: https://bri.sulross.edu/bill-adams-changes-roles/

10/07/2026

BRI's intramural soccer team, the Borderlands Fútbol Institute, kicked off the season last night with a win! The team is made up of BRI graduate and undergraduate students, plus professors (shout-out to Dr. Collins and Dr. Cantu)! They celebrated with a well-earned round of popsicles post-game. Good luck in the rest of the season!

10/06/2026

We made the most of the gloomy weather at the Pollinator Garden Party at the Alpine Public Library! Kids learned about the pollinators that help sustain our crops and ecosystems, then headed outside for a scavenger hunt in the Patty Manning Pollinator Garden. We’re grateful for community spaces that give us opportunities to learn, explore, and experience the beauty of the outdoors. Big Bend Chapter - Native Plant Society of Texas

10/06/2026

Border Archives Bazaar and the City of Alpine will have special tours of the A. Michael Powell Herbarium and the Museum of the Big Bend's Map Room from 10 to 4 on Saturday, October 10. There are also several presentations going on throughout the day.
Event info: https://library.sulross.edu/archives/bazaar/

BRAG is excited to announce the 2026 Border Archives Bazaar, Living with the Land - Viviendo con la Tierra, will be held Saturday, Oct.10, at Sul Ross State University, in beautiful Alpine, Texas. Stay tuned for more details! And make plans to come see us in Alpine!