For the past two years, Krista Ward, Wichita State alumna and researcher, has conducted research at the privately owned Youngmeyer Ranch in Elk County, located about an hour from Wichita.
Youngmeyer Ranch is owned by the Youngmeyer Trust, which has granted Wichita State research and educational access to the property. The research facility cost approximately $2 million to build and was paid for entirely by donors. Hutton designed and constructed the building.
The 3,400-square-foot building also includes a large garage and storage space where researchers can park vehicles and stow equipment. This feature permits a considerable amount of time and effort to be redirected to research work.