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The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) is an independent non-profit scientific and educational organization based just south of Fort Davis, Texas. Its mission is to promote public awareness, appreciation, and concern for the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region through research and education. The CDRI natural area sits on a 507-acre landsite approximately 4 miles south of Fort Davis on Highway 118. The Visitors’ Center features exhibits on the Chihuahuan Desert region, a wonderful outdoor geological time line, and a gift shop with regional books, t-shirts, jewelry, and cacti native to the Trans-Pecos. Sustainable living in the desert is demonstrated through their rainwater harvesting system installed on the roof of the Visitors’ Center, drip irrigation in the botanical gardens, umbrella guzzlers in the grasslands, and solar power on the educational pavilion. To promote research and biodiversity conservation, the CDRI houses one of the largest collections of Chihuahuan Desert cacti in the world in its cactus greenhouse. Other attractions on the landsite include a mining heritage exhibit, a 20 acre botanical garden with a living collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers native to the region, and hiking trails. The two main hiking trails are Modesta Canyon and Clayton’s Overlook. As you descend into Modesta Canyon you may see Showy Menodora, Yellowbells, Claret Cup cactus, or even desert fern tucked into the rock cliffs. Continuing down to the springs you can rest under a large madrone tree as you enjoy the crystal clear spring-fed pools adorned with Maiden Hair Fern and muhly grass. After your visit to the canyon floor you can hike straight up to the canyon rim and follow the trail to Clayton’s Overlook, the highest point on the CDRI landsite. From here you can view the tallest peak in the area (Mount Livermore), The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, and the sleepy town of Fort Davis. CDRI is committed to an aggressive environmental education program that includes hands-on activities, exhibits, publications, and sharing of information through the Internet. Educational programs for families and adults are given on a monthly basis. School groups are targeted with the Chihuahuan Desert Field School. To promote research in the Chihuahuan Desert region, the CDRI gives a cash award of $1000 for the best student paper pertaining to the natural sciences. The award honors the memory of Dr. W. Frank Blair, a noted zoologist and the first Chairman of the distinguished CDRI Board of Scientists. Every five years the Institute hosts an internationally-respected symposium on the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert region. Membership to the CDRI supports their research and education programs and includes two issues to the Discovery magazine, an invitation to the member’s pre-sale before the annual plant sale, a monthly postcard about CDRI events, discounts on field trips and workshops, and free tickets to the annual member’s barbeque. Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute Executive Director – Dr. C.A. Hoyt It is best to call for hours and admission or program fees. Our hours are no longer seasonal, but they do vary.
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