Borderlands Research Institute

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!

10/05/2026

Habitat management in the Trans-Pecos starts with understanding the land, the water and the wildlife that depend on both. During the 2026 Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference, researchers shared what they are learning about restoring grasslands, slowing erosion, keeping water on the landscape and managing cattle in one of Texas’ most challenging environments.

From removing encroaching brush for grassland birds to restoring watersheds and adapting grazing decisions to changing rainfall, one message came through clearly: successful stewardship is about matching the right management action to the right place. Read more about the research, lessons learned and work underway across the Trans-Pecos.

Read Article & Watch Video: https://bri.sulross.edu/tpwc26-habitat-land-stewardship

09/30/2026

Some of the Trans-Pecos’ most fascinating wildlife can also be among the hardest to study. Mountain lions are secretive and wide-ranging, Montezuma quail can remain nearly invisible even when they’re close by, and black bears can travel remarkable distances across the borderlands.

At the 2026 Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference, researchers shared how they’re working to learn more about these species, from acoustic monitoring and GPS collars to population research and strategies for reducing conflicts between bears and people.

Want to learn more? Read the story and watch the video: https://bri.sulross.edu/tpwc26-non-game/

09/29/2026

MYTH vs. FACT

Myth: “A healthy habitat should be untouched.”

Fact: A healthy habitat isn't necessarily land that humans never manage. Brush management, grassland restoration, riparian restoration, and other practices are all active stewardship and can play an important role in maintaining or restoring habitat.

Sometimes doing nothing isn't the best thing you can do for habitat.

09/28/2026

Investing in students means investing in the future of conservation. Thirty 2026-2027 Borderlands Research Institute Scholarship recipients at Sul Ross State University have been selected to receive a record $283,000 in scholarships, helping support their education, research, and hands-on field experience.

From habitat restoration to wildlife research, BRI students gain real-world experience that prepares them to become the next generation of conservation professionals. We’re grateful to the Borderlands Research Foundation and the many organizations and donors whose generosity makes these opportunities possible. Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients!

Read details here: https://bri.sulross.edu/2026-scholarships

09/25/2026

Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Alejandra Franco, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones.

The Tarleton State Rodeo Team is deeply saddened by the passing of our own, Alejandra Franco.

Alejandra tragically lost her life yesterday, leaving behind a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

During this difficult time, we ask that you join us in keeping her family, friends, and the team in your thoughts and prayers.