Mountain Studies Institute Employee Directory
Environmental ServicesColorado, United States11-50 Employees
Mountain Studies Institute is an independent nonprofit focused on mountain research and education, founded in 2002 in Silverton, Colorado. Based in Durango, Colorado, the organization serves the San Juan Mountains by developing science to address both current and legacy environmental issues. It conducts and facilitates field research, runs educational programs and internships, and carries out environmental monitoring to inform management and community decision-making. MSI seeks to bridge scientists and regional stakeholders, turning research into practical knowledge that benefits ecosystems and local quality of life. Its activities engage government agencies, academic partners, and community groups across the San Juan Mountain region as they work on environmental challenges. A recent development includes a 2026 collaboration with the National Forest Foundation and the San Juan National Forest to restore Chattanooga Fen, an iron-rich wetland near Silverton.