FAQ

An ARO (Agricultural Research Organization) is a type of public charity that is directly engaged in the continuous active conduct of agricultural research in conjunction with a land-grant university.

Ecoagriculture is an approach to land management that integrates biodiversity conservation, agricultural production, and human well-being.

At the Turner Institute, this means managing land so it can:
• Support wildlife and native ecosystems
• Produce food and resources
• Remain economically sustainable

We don’t separate conservation and agriculture—we design systems where both thrive together to contribute to solutions for local and global issues like climate change, water depletion, and the extinction crisis.

Wild, working landscapes are lands that are actively managed for production—like ranching or forestry—while also sustaining native species, biodiversity, and ecological health.

Rather than setting land aside or overusing it, we focus on balance:
• Productive, but not extractive
• Managed, but still wild

This balance is essential to the future of conservation, because most of the world’s land is actively used by people.

Most conservation models focus on protecting land from use. Most agricultural systems prioritize production.

We do both.

The Turner Institute integrates science, land management, and business to demonstrate that:
• Healthy ecosystems can support economic activity
• Working lands can restore biodiversity
• Conservation can scale beyond protected areas

Our goal is not just to protect land—but to create a model others can adopt.

Our research is applied, field-based, and directly tied to land management.

Our mission is to research, develop, practice, and disseminate sustainable strategies and
techniques for conserving ecosystems, agriculture, and rural communities.

We study:
• Regenerative grazing and bison ecology
• Soil health and water systems
• Wildlife populations and habitat restoration
• Forestry and fire management
• Ecosystem services and economic value

Because our lands are actively managed, we can test ideas in real conditions—and immediately apply what we learn.

The Turner Institute operates across a network of large-scale properties in the American West and Great Plains.

These landscapes span diverse ecosystems and provide the scale needed to conduct meaningful research, restore habitats, and test innovative land management practices.

Together, they function as living laboratories for advancing wild, working landscapes.

Our work generates both ecological and economic benefits that extend far beyond our lands.

These include:
• Healthier ecosystems and restored wildlife populations
• Improved land management practices for others to adopt
• New models for sustainable agriculture and conservation
• Education and inspiration for landowners, students, and the public

By sharing what we learn, we aim to influence how land is managed globally.

Yes. Collaboration is central to our mission.

We work with universities, scientists, and students to:
• Conduct research on our lands
• Test new approaches to land management
• Train the next generation of conservation and agriculture leaders

Our goal is to accelerate learning and expand the impact of our work.

We began with an agricultural research relationship with South Dakota State University, which recently established a Center of Excellence for Bison Studies, and continue to create new relationships and research relationships with other land-grant institutions.

The Turner Institute itself is not a destination for visitors.

However, some of our landscapes are part of Ted Turner Reserves, like Vermejo, where guests can experience these lands firsthand through guided activities and immersive stays.

These experiences help connect people to the science, stewardship, and stories behind our work.

We recognize the importance of property taxes to local governments, and do not plan to apply for exemption from property taxes.

There are several ways to engage with the Turner Institute:
• Researchers & students: Collaborate on field-based studies
• Landowners & practitioners: Learn from and apply our model
• Donors & partners: Support research, education, and land stewardship
• Public audiences: Follow our work and share our story
We believe there are no trade secrets; progress happens when knowledge is shared.

Our world is facing serious problems:
• biodiversity loss
• degraded landscapes
• water stress
• wildfire risk
• unsustainable land use
• disconnect between conservation and economics

We are building a model that will take us into the future.