Jackson School Receives 40-Acre West Texas Property for Field Education and Research

March 23, 2026

Students and researchers at the Jackson School of Geosciences will soon have access to a new field site in one of Texas’ most geologically distinctive regions. 

An anonymous alumnus has donated a 40-acre property near Terlingua, close to the Christmas Mountains, creating new opportunities for field-based learning and research. The site includes a residence and a dedicated lab building that will support field courses, student training, and research activities in the surrounding landscape. 

The donor also established a $1 million endowment to support the long-term maintenance and operation of the property. Once incorporated into The University of Texas at Austin Field Station Network, the site will serve as a base for hands-on learning and scientific exploration in West Texas. 

“This generous gift reflects the continued engagement of Jackson School alumni and their commitment to supporting field education and research for future generations,” said Daniel F. Stockli, interim dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences.