Entry to Tyson is carefully regulated to protect the environment from uncontrolled disturbance and to safeguard research and teaching projects. All regular users must obtain an entry permit and identification card to operate at Tyson. A Washington University identification card may suffice. Those requesting a Tyson identification card must contact the Tyson Administrative Office:

Telephone: (314)935-8430
Fax (314)935-8433
Email: tyson@biology.wustl.edu
Postal address: Tyson Research Center, 6750 Tyson Valley Rd., Eureka, MO 63025.

Persons eligible for permits, identification cards and keys (if required) include:

1. Students, faculty and staff of Washington University
2. Friends of Tyson and other Tyson volunteers
3. Faculty and students from non-Washington educational institutions
4. Private organizations or individuals with interests in environmental issues or conservation.

Groups or individuals requiring appointments but not permits:

1. Participants of outreach programs such as PreK-12, Scouts or other classes
2. Vendors or one-time visitors to the Tyson facilities
3. Visitors to the Wild Canid Survival & Research Center, call (636)938-5900
4. Visitors to the World Bird Sanctuary, call (636)861-3225

The single entry and exit to Tyson is at the gatehouse located at the north side of the Beaumont-Antire exit (exit #269) from Interstate-44. Tyson personnel are on duty from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers are present one Saturday a month from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Persons needing access at other times may inquire about obtaining gate access at the Tyson Office (314)935-8430.

With each visit to Tyson, each permit holder or group leader is required to sign in on the register just inside the gate. Indicate name, departmental affiliation and entry time. It is essential to indicate your department on each occasion because the university determines the Tyson budget based upon annual departmental usage. Washington University teachers can sign in for their classes but they must indicate the number of students in the course and the name and departmental number of the course. Users must indicate the time of their final departure of the day on the sign-in sheet, when they leave. Temporary departures and re-entries need not be recorded after initially signing in on any one day. The guard on duty, particularly those new to the position, may require you to show your identification card.

Rules and Regulations:
(Rev. 8-18-04)

1. A Tyson identification card or Washington University identification card is required for admittance to the Tyson Research Center. Read "Access" section above for further details. Persons desiring a permit and identification card must contact the Tyson Office at (314)935-8430, or email: mkellyATbiology2.wustl.edu ("AT" = @).

2. At present, all visitors and users are responsible for their transportation to and from Tyson. Transportation within Tyson is by foot, private vehicle or, with permission, university-owned vehicle. The speed limit is 35 mph on the main Tyson Valley Road. Slower speeds are required on other paved, gravel or dirt roads where vehicles are permitted. Reduce speed when leaving and re-entering the gate area. No vehicles are permitted off roads; motorcycles are permitted only on the main Tyson Valley Road. Be aware that animals may be crossing roads at any time or place.

3. Entry to Tyson does not constitute permission to visit the facilities of either the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center (the "Wolf Sanctuary") or the World Bird Sanctuary. Each visitation requires prior permission from these organizations:
-Wild Canid Survival and Research Center: (636)938-5900 or www.wolfsanctuary.org
-World Bird Sanctuary: (636)861-3225 or www.worldbirdsanctuary.org
Each organization is responsible for the safety and behavior of its staff and guests at Tyson.

4. Tyson permit-holders are not entitled to escort or admit non-permit holders to Tyson without prior permission. The sharing of gate access codes and/or loaning of a gate key (or any other key) is prohibited. Duplication of keys is prohibited and is unlawful.

5. Tyson does not encourage users to bring pets to the facility. Pets brought to Tyson must remain in the owners' vehicle.

6. Those researchers initiating a project must complete a Research Application (also available in hardcopy from the Tyson Administrative Office) which includes a proposed project title, description or abstract, dates/schedule, project area, facility needs, equipment or supplies that may be available from Tyson, and number of personnel. More information is available on the Projects and Research Page. Researchers are restricted to areas designated in the research plan and general support facilities. Permission to utilize or visit other areas must be obtained from the Tyson Administrative Office. All field materials must be removed, all buildings cleared, and all keys must be returned at the conclusion of the study. Please view the Research Policy, which discusses proper field research procedures.

7. Classes, both from Washington University and other institutions, must provide information about class size and class activities. Forms are available at the Tyson Administrative Office.

8. Research grant proposals for use of Tyson property and/or facilities should include a daily use fee. Inquire at the Tyson Administrative Office for more information on current use fee charges. If the grant is not fully funded, the daily use fee can be reduced. If the grant is not funded, the daily use fee will be waived, provided Washington University incurs no substantial cost for the project.

9. Any publications emanating from Tyson must acknowledge the contribution of the Washington University Tyson Research Center. Two copies of each publication are to be sent to the Director or Field Station Manager.

10. Researchers may request the use of exclusive study areas. If granted, access will be limited to Tyson staff for routine duties or emergencies only.

11. Researchers are requested to file an annual report (due Dec. 31) to the Tyson Administrative Office with a brief description of project status, personnel involved, publications, grants, or other pertinent information. Researchers are also encouraged to contribute information for the Tyson Webpage, which may include text, photos, graphics, or other pertinent research data.

12. Investigators studying vertebrate animals must obtain a Wildlife Collectors Permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation. These permits are easily obtained and can be renewed annually. Call (573)751-4115, extension 156; write Wildlife Collector Permit, Missouri Department of Conservation, P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, or visit the MDC website at: www.conservation.state.mo.us/. Endangered species require both state and federal permits.

13. The Animal Studies Committee of Washington University must review all protocols involving the use of vertebrates in research, teaching or demonstration projects. Washington University personnel must contact the Washington University Animal Studies Committee, Campus Box 8025 or (314)362-3229 for information about submitting protocols for approval. The Animal Care Protocol Form is available online at: medicine.wustl.edu/~asc. Non-Washington University researchers may substitute an equivalent animal care protocol document if approved from researcher's home institution. In such cases, please provide Washington University Tyson Research Center a copy of the home institution's approved animal care document.

14. No hunting is permitted on the property without permission of the Director or Field Station Manager. Hunting of game animals also requires a Missouri Hunting License and tags. Poachers will be prosecuted.

15. No flowers, fruits or fungi may be picked, and no plants, mushrooms, fossils or geologic specimens may be removed, added, or collected except with prior authorization from the Tyson Administrative Offices. Those conducting research at Native American Archaeological sites must also obtain proper authorization from state and/or national governing agencies.

16. No animals may be removed from or introduced to Tyson without prior permission from the Director or Field Station Manager.

17. Scientific specimens (e.g., skulls, bird skins, etc.) may be borrowed from the Tyson museum collection for teaching and research projects, in most cases. Contact (314)935-8430 or email mkellyATbiology2.wustl.edu ("AT" = @) for details.

18. Smoking is not permitted in any building. Campfires for evening events must be carried out in designated safe areas under the control of appropriate supervisors. Fire prevention items (shovel, water, etc.) should be at hand. All embers are to be extinguished at the termination of the event.

19. The Memorial Grove is an area of quiet contemplation and visitation for the relatives and friends of deceased persons who have donated their bodies to science and whose ashes have been spread at Tyson. Visitors to the Memorial Grove should contact the Tyson Administrative Office (314)935-8430 or email mkellyATbiology2.wustl.edu ("AT" = @) to make arrangements for visitation. No scientific research or class activity is permitted in the Grove.

20. Users making purchases from outside vendors are requested to tell the vendor to indicate the name of the organization (e.g. Washington University, Wild Canid Survival and Research Center, World Bird Sanctuary), department and recipient on the shipping packages, receiving tickets, and invoices.

21. Non-Washington University personnel may use Tyson Administrative Office facilities at cost (e.g., photocopies) with prior permission and if such activity does not interfere with Tyson operations.

22. Complete compliance with the law of the United States of America, the State of Missouri and St. Louis County is mandatory. This compliance includes no discrimination based on race, color, sex, nationality, age, physical condition, etc.

Safety:

Emergencies | Roads | Plants | Snakes | Tick & Chiggers

Wild areas such as Tyson are subject to a variety of hazards not normally experienced by most visitors. Some hazards can be dangerous: presence of ticks and chiggers, stinging insects, venomous snakes, rough terrain and roads, inclement weather, toxic plants, unstable trees, remoteness, etc. All of these and other potential hazards require the exercise of caution particular to each one.

Emergencies:
At Tyson, 9-911 is the emergency number for ambulance, fire, or police. (When using the Tyson phone system, the first 9 is required to get an outside line.) The emergency address for Tyson is 6750 Tyson Valley Rd., Eureka, Missouri, 63025. An alternative address is exit 269 (Beaumont-Antire Road) off Interstate 44.

In the event of an emergency, alert the gatehouse that emergency vehicles will be entering Tyson and that both gates must be left open. A person must be stationed at the gatehouse to direct the emergency vehicle to the victim on the scene of the emergency.

Unless the victim instructs otherwise, or if time is of the essence, Washington University students, faculty and staff are to be transported by ambulance to the emergency room of Barnes Hospital (BJC Group) for treatment. Call ahead (314)362-9123.

The Eureka Fire Protection District serves Tyson Research Center. For emergencies call 9-911, for general information call 9-(636)-938-5505.

The St. Louis County Police (9-911) or the Missouri State Highway Patrol (9-340-4000) are the local law enforcement agencies. Do not attempt to resolve criminal disturbances yourself. Notify and wait for the proper authorities. Poaching should be reported to the Missouri Department of Conservation (9-1-800-392-1111).

Roads:
Four-wheel drive vehicles must be used on all roads in areas of steep and unstable gradient. Motorcycles are not allowed on ancillary roads. Those traveling by foot should wear sturdy boots or similar footwear. Field clothing should consist of long pants, socks, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and long-sleeved shirts for heavy vegetation.

Plants:
Poison ivy is the most likely toxic plant to be encountered at Tyson, and extreme care should be taken to avoid contact with skin. Education or research leaders can teach visitors to recognize this common native plant. Visitors should also be aware of hazard trees, limbs, thorns, etc. and avoid these dangers at Tyson.

Snakes:
There are 19 species of snakes at Tyson. Only the copperhead and rattlesnake are venomous. Grassy areas of high usage (e.g., field activities for PreK-12 classes) are mowed frequently to keep the ground cover very low. These mowed areas are inhospitable to these two species. Furthermore, the high visibility greatly increases the likelihood of observing any snakes from a distance by class leaders so that any venomous snake can be easily avoided and removed. In wooded areas, never step over a log or other surface obstacle before checking that a snake is not located on the far side. Similarly, hands should never be placed where one does not have a clear view.

In the case of snake bite, three actions should be taken:
1. The individual should be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital.
2. No first aid for snake bite should be administered (many "treatments" are worse than the snake bite).
3. If possible, bring the snake to the hospital for positive identification.

Ticks (and chiggers):
Ticks and chiggers use vegetation as a platform or "launching pad" to hop onto passing deer or humans which brush against plants. Adult ticks feed upon deer and can become infected with Lyme's Disease. If infected ticks then drop off the deer, they can again climb up plants and again attach to humans and transfer the disease. There are 3 precautions against ticks:
1. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and long pants and tuck pant cuffs into socks or boot tops to prevent ticks from reaching bare skin.
2. Tyson supplies a tick-repellent (Permanone). To use it, shake the can and spray the product on shoes, socks, and clothing (not on bare skin) at ankle and calf height, around the waist and arm-pits and any area of close contact between skin and clothing. Permanone is also effective against chiggers.
3. Use only areas in which the grass has been mowed. Avoid wooded and brushy areas.

TICK and CHIGGER ALERT:

Ticks are bloodsucking arachnids capable of transmitting serious and sometimes fatal illness. Late spring and summer are peak times for exposure to ticks. Ninety-four percent of cases of disease transmitted by ticks occur between April 1 and September 30. Most tick bites resolve uneventfully. Ticks transfer infection only after they have fed for several hours and are engorged. To prevent tick bites apply repellents such as diethyltoluamide ("Deet"), permethrin, or dimethylphthalate to clothing and exposed parts of the body. (These repellents are active ingredients in many popular insect repellents. Read ingredient labels.) Tyson provides all users and visitors with Permanone, which contains permethrin. Permanone is to be applied to clothing only. Wear clothing that interferes with tick attachment (full length boots and one-piece outer garments.) Tuck pant cuffs into tops of boots or socks. Avoid sitting on grass and logs where exposure to ticks increases. Every four to six hours, inspect entire body, including hairy parts, to detect and remove attached ticks.

Procedure for tick removal:

It is suggested that the mechanical removal technique described below be used for all tick removal. It is important to remove a tick from the host as soon as possible after it is discovered. Proper tick removal is as important in reducing the chance of infections as timely removal. Exercise the same precautions when removing ticks from animals as when removing ticks from humans.

1. Disinfect the site prior to tick removal.
2. Grasp the tick close to the skin using a blunt, curved forceps or tweezers. If fingers are used, shield them with tissue, paper towels or rubber gloves.
3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. DO NOT twist or jerk as this may cause mouth parts to break off in the skin.
4. Take care not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick as its fluids may contain infective agents.
5. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash hands with soap and water.
6. Safely dispose of the tick by placing it in a container of alcohol or flushing it down the toilet.
7. DO NOT handle ticks with bare hands as infectious agents may enter via mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

If, following tick exposure, you develop fever, headache, malaise, prostration, ulcerated lesions, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, conjunctivitis, swelling around your eyes or feet, chills, or muscle aches, then contact your doctor for an evaluation. There is currently no recommendation for antibiotic prophylaxis on the basis of a tick bite alone.

Many inhabitants of the United States are affected by chigger bites (trombiculiasis). The bite is from the larva of the chigger. The larva does not burrow into the skin, but drops off, after engorging itself with blood. The larva is rarely seen on the skin, due to its small size. The bite usually occurs where the larva meets resistance as it climbs up the legs, such as around the top of the socks, the beltline, or the neckband area. Scratching can lead to secondary infection. Preventive measures that are partially successful consist of applying repellents such as "Off" or "Permanone" or sulfur powder to the feet and stockings, and if desired, spraying infested areas with insecticide. Therapy includes use of 1% hydrocortisone cream for the itching, and antibiotic creams if secondary infection should occur.