Request for Proposals (RFP) 

Appalachian Headwaters: 2026 Graduate Student Field Research Grant 

Purposeand Overview 

Appalachian Headwaters invites proposals from master’s degree seeking students in environmental science, wildlife management, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, geography, or related fields to conduct field-based research in the Central Appalachian region. 
 
To strengthen the connections between academic research, applied restoration, environmental and community education, all projects must include at least some components of field research/outreach conducted on Appalachian Headwaters property in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. 

Organizational Background

Appalachian Headwaters is a nonprofit based in Lewisburg, WV, dedicated to environmental education and ecological restoration (https://appheadwaters.org/). Major initiatives include: 

• Habitat restoration, wildlife, and pollinator garden programs 
• Reforestation of degraded pastureland 
• A native plant nursery supporting pollinator habitat and restoration plantings 
• Environmental education programs for K–12 students and the public 

Research conducted through this grant program will directly support and expand on one or more of these initiatives.  

Appalachian Headwaters Properties

Research supported through this grant must include a field component on Appalachian Headwaters’ property. Sites include: 

• Wood Thrush Park: Mixed use property with educational facilities, trails, gardens, and restoration sites on approximately 500 acres. 
• Farmland Restoration Tract: More than 800-acre property, consisting of a 90-acre reforestation project and 750 acres of forest, including early successional to mature (>150-year-old) stands. 
• Native Plant Nursery: Native plant propagation facility, producing pollinator-focused species and plants for retail and restoration projects, on approximately 60 acres of old pasture and secondary forest. 

Applicants should propose how research could incorporate one or more of these sites. Final site access and research design will be refined in partnership with Appalachian Headwaters staff if a proposal is selected for funding. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Enrollment in a master’s degree program at an accredited university. 
• Relevant fields of study: environmental science, forestry, wildlife management, ecology, geography, or related discipline. 
• Work must be conducted in the Appalachian region, with at least part of the research taking place on an Appalachian Headwaters property. 
• Faculty advisor endorsement confirming academic standing and project feasibility. 

Funding Details

• Award Amount: Up to $3,000 per project 
• Number of Awards: Up to 2 per cycle 
• Funding Period: April–December 2026 
• Allowable Expenses: Field equipment, research supplies, travel, data analysis, and community engagement. Tuition and general living expenses are not eligible. *Lodging provided on site, free of charge, at Wood Thrush Park. 

Research Focus Areas

Priority will be given to projects that: 

• Investigate pollinator biology, native plant ecology, or habitat management on Appalachian Headwaters’ properties. 
• Contribute to ongoing research of the wildlife of Central Appalachia, including habitat use, genetics, survival, movement, and other monitoring initiatives  
• Advance understanding of forest and watershed restoration on degraded agricultural landscapes. 
• Examine ecological or hydrological processes tied to reforestation, invasive species management, or biodiversity. 
• Include a community or educational engagement component. 

Proposal Components (12 pages max)

• Cover Page – Name, institution, program, advisor, project title. 
• Abstract – ~300 words. 
• Project Narrative – Background, objectives, methodology, significance, expected outcomes. 
• Site Component – Description of how Headwaters’ property will be used as part of the research. Applicants may identify a preferred site type (e.g., forest, pollinator meadow, nursery). Final details will be refined in collaboration with Appalachian Headwaters staff if awarded. 
• Timeline – Anticipated schedule of activities. 
• Budget Justification – General breakdown of expenses. 
• Applicant CV – 2 pages max. 
• Faculty Advisor Letter – Statement of support and feasibility. 

Review Criteria

• Scientific Merit – Strength of research design and objectives. 
• Alignment with Mission – Relevance to Appalachian Headwaters’ restoration and education goals. 
• Use of Headwaters’ Property – Clear integration of Appalachian Headwaters’ land into research activities. 
• Feasibility – Realistic timeline and budget. 
• Community/Educational Impact – Potential to involve or benefit local communities. 

Submission Process

• Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) 
• Submission: Single PDF emailed to Dr. Merri Collins at mcollins@appheadwaters.org with subject line: “2026 Graduate Student Field Research Proposal – [Your Name]” 
• Notification of selection: Mid-March 2026 
• Start of Funding: April 2026 
• Reporting Requirements

Awardees must: 

• Deliver a final report (5–10 pages) summarizing findings and relevance to Appalachian Headwaters programs. 
• Provide a community-accessible summary (e.g., StoryMap, public talk) and agree to lead a workshop with Headwaters Interns or the local community on a relevant topic. 
• Acknowledge Appalachian Headwaters in academic presentations and publications.