Jasper Ridge Receives 2026 OBFS Advancing Equity Award

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ('Ootchamin 'Ooyakma) has received the 2026 Advancing Equity Award from the Organization of Biological Field Stations. The award recognizes field stations with programs that increase the involvement and support of underrepresented groups in field science. 

The OBFS review committee highlighted four connected areas of work: learning exchanges and youth campouts with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe; collaboration with Tribal partners on cultural burning; public lectures and conference programs that center Indigenous voices; and collaborative research and educational experiences that help students and researchers work respectfully with Tribal communities. 

In its award letter, the OBFS IDEA+ Committee wrote that it was “extremely impressed” by Jasper Ridge’s application and praised its “intentional, holistic, and culturally respectful approach.” One committee member added, “This is what a land acknowledgement should be: a whole program.” 

Faculty Director Professor Tad Fukami and Associate Director for Environmental Education Katie Glover (header picture) attended the 2026 OBFS annual meeting last week, where they accepted the award plaque on behalf of the entire Jasper Ridge staff. They also shared their experiences building and participating in these programs in collaboration with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.

The committee described Jasper Ridge as “truly a leader within OBFS related to advancing equity” and said its work could serve as “a template for other stations.”

Jasper Ridge has been a member of the Organization of Biological Field Stations since 1980. As of 2023, OBFS membership includes more than 230 sites located in 20 countries on six continents.

Jorge Ramos, Ph.D., Executive Director, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve