Mission Statement

Capitol Reef Field Station, in partnership with Capitol Reef National Park, promotes and supports engaged learning, environmental ethics, and research and creative work through the exploration of the Colorado Plateau.

Our Place

Beyond the paved roads, 2.5 miles past the end of the aptly named Scenic Drive, our buildings sit atop a mesa in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. Amidst unobstructed views of postcard-perfect scenery, one can hear the calming sounds of Pleasant Creek as they loft over historic pastures. The sun rises over the last mountain range in the continental United States to be mapped, the Henry Mountains, framed by towering sandstone cliffs. To the west lies Boulder Mountain, which supported small glaciers during the last ice age. Looking up, casual stargazers and serious astronomers alike appreciate the amazing night sky, for which Capitol Reef National Park recently received a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky designation. Our incredible location provides an unparalleled opportunity for place-based learning. Only 3.5 hours from UVU and the Wasatch Front, CRFS welcomes students and faculty from institutions of higher learning who seek to experience the natural and cultural legacies of the Colorado Plateau.

Staff

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CRFS Steering Committee Members

  • James Bemel, Ph. D.
    Public Health
  • Maria Blevins, Ph. D.
    Communication
  • Karen Cloward
    Community Education
  • Doug Czajka, Ph. D.
    Earth Science
  • Reid Elem
    Art & Design
  • Meaghan McKasy, Ph. D.
    Communication
  • Kim Nielsen, Ph. D.
    Physics
  • Ethan Sproat, Ph. D.
    Program Director of Proposal Development, Office of Sponsored Program
  • Amber Smith-Johnson
    English and Literature
  • Scott Williams
    Exercise Science & Outdoor Recreation

Our Partnership

The success of our mission is made possible through the partnership between UVU and Capitol Reef National Park. This unique partnership allows CRFS to provide its visitors with educational experiences that are as remarkable as the landscape in which they occur. CRFS is property of the National Park Service and is operated under the direction of UVU and the park in accordance with our General Agreement.

Annual Reports

Image of the front page of the CRFS annual review for 2022-2023

2022-2023

Image of the front page of the CRFS annual review for 2021-2022

2021-2022

2020-21 annual report

2020-2021

2019-2020 cover

2019-2020

Cover of the 2018-2019 Annual report

2018-2019

2017-2019 Annual Report cover

2017-2018

2016-2017 Annual Report Cover

2016-2017

2015-2016 Annual Report Cover

2015-2016

2014-2015 Annual Report Cover

2014-2015

2013-2014 Annual Report Cover

2013-2014

2012-2013 Annual Report Cover

2012-2013

2011-2012 Annual Report Cover

2011-2012

2010-2011 Annual Report Cover

2010-2011

History of CRFS

Where Pleasant Creek breaks free of its narrow canyon walls upstream from the Capitol Reef Field Station and before it cuts through the Waterpocket Fold downstream, it nourishes a small oasis of tall grasses, wildflowers, shady cottonwoods, and aromatic sagebrush. Pleasant Creek has been sanctuary for a very long time. Over millennia, it has been used by late Paleo-Indian, Desert Archaic, Fremont, and Numic-speaking (Ute and Paiute) peoples...