Our History

1998-2021

Craighead Beringia South began as a small ecological research lab and educational center. The office was perched above my workshop overlooking the Gros Ventre River in Kelly Wyoming.  I created this organization with the vision that it would be an advocate for better stewardship of the environment, to speak on behalf of the coyote, the grizzly bear, and the common raven.  I wanted to observe and study wildlife, learn about their lives, stand witness to their struggles, so that I could speak knowledgeably about the needs of wildlife and wildlands.  This advocacy is expressed by exacting field research designed on scientific methods, published articles and recommendations in peer-reviewed journals and outreach and education by popular articles, talks, workshops, films, and educational classes within the public school system.

With time and support, we have grown into a multi-disciplined research organization. Since its beginning, Beringia South has conducted 40 research studies, 10 of which have been long-term field projects (10+yrs). CBS has collaborated with 5 government agencies, 8 universities, and over 20 organizations. Over time the organization has hired 90 employees, mentored 15 university graduate students through their Masters of Science degrees. The team has published 72 peer reviewed scientific papers, 45+ reports, and created a body of “hands on” educational and outreach material.

My colleagues and I set out to speak on behalf of wildlife and wild places.  It is my hope that our work is building understanding, acceptance, and compassion for all wild things and places and that it is providing valuable information to resource managers and encouraging the public to co-existing with wildlife and share our natural world.

- Derek Craighead

“I believe that research biologists should be a voice for the animals they study; an advocate for their survival and co-existence.”

— Derek Craighead, Founder