University of Minnesota CFANS and CBS: Introducing the Statewide Impact Map

At the University of Minnesota, research takes place in high-tech labs and far beyond — reaching into fields, forests and bodies of water across the state. To help Minnesotans visualize this vast research footprint, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) have launched a new interactive tool — the CFANS and CBS Statewide Impact Map.

This digital resource brings together data from CFANS and CBS research conducted at the University’s network of 10 Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs) and specialized biological stations, including the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

Driving innovation across Minnesota

Throughout the state, University research is delivering science-based solutions that support farmers, foresters, rural communities, and natural ecosystems:

• Animal health and systems: Advancing dairy cow and swine health, improving beef cattle systems, and strengthening poultry production.
• Crop development: Developing resilient corn, soybean, small grain, potato, and specialty crop varieties.
• Natural resources and conservation: Protecting resources through work in soil health, water quality, prairie restoration, and forest management while studying changing weather patterns in northern boreal forests, improving irrigation efficiency on sandy soils, and evaluating conservation practices that safeguard lakes and rivers.

What is the Statewide Impact Map?

The map serves as a dynamic portal into the University’s physical presence throughout Minnesota. It allows legislators, partners, and the public to see the placement of various research centers and, with a few clicks, access a comprehensive look at the specific activity happening in their own regions.

Each ROC and research station features detailed statistics, including:

• Scope of research: A look at active projects across the state, ranging from crop and livestock production to critical environmental studies in soil health, water systems, and forest ecosystems.
• Outreach and community impact: Data on the number of events hosted or led by the center, providing a window into local engagement.
• Student engagement: The number of undergraduate and graduate students participating in place-based research, internships, or on-site courses.
• Local employment: The map tracks the nearly 200 University employees who live and work in these communities across the state.

Powerful overlays: Research in context

One of the tool's most significant features is its ability to "layer" scientific and political data over the geography of the state. This helps users understand how University research directly addresses the unique environmental and agricultural needs of different regions.

Users can toggle several environments and political overlays, including:

• USDA plant hardiness zones: Showing how University research spans the diverse growing conditions of the Upper Midwest.
• Minnesota DNR biomes and annual mean precipitation: Mapping research sites against the state’s distinct ecological biomes and rainfall patterns.
• Minnesota agricultural profile: Aligning research activity with the broader agricultural landscape of the state.
• Legislative boundaries: An interactive feature that allows users to see exactly which research centers and University lands lie within specific Congressional or State House districts.

A tool for every Minnesotan

The CFANS and CBS Statewide Impact Map was designed to be an accessible bridge between the University and the people it serves. It provides a clear, visual answer to how and where the University is investing in the state’s future.

By demonstrating that these centers and stations are active in nearly every climate zone and legislative district, the map highlights a commitment to solving problems that affect every Minnesotan. Whether it’s a legislator viewing the work being done in their home district or a resident curious about the agricultural research happening nearby, the map helps make the University’s statewide mission visible and accessible to all.

Note: This map reflects CFANS Research and Outreach Centers and CBS specialized biological stations with a physical statewide footprint. It does not represent all research centers, locations or initiatives within the two colleges.