Flathead Lake Biological Station

Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is a world-renowned freshwater research and education center operated by the University of Montana, located on the east shore of Flathead Lake near Yellow Bay. Established in 1899, FLBS is one of the oldest and most respected biological field stations in the United States, dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of freshwater ecosystems. The station conducts long-term ecological research, water quality monitoring, and watershed science across Flathead Lake and the greater Crown of the Continent region, providing critical data used by scientists, policymakers, and conservation partners. In addition to its research mission, FLBS offers hands-on field courses, graduate training, and K–12 educational programming, bringing students and researchers from around the world to study in one of North America’s most iconic natural laboratories. With more than a century of continuous data collection, FLBS plays a vital role in safeguarding the health, clarity, and future of Flathead Lake and its surrounding ecosystems.