Welcome to the Bill Lane Center for the American West
Dedicated to advancing scholarly and public understanding of the past, present, and future of western North America, the Center supports research, teaching, and reporting about western land and life
Lane Center student researchers investigate salient challenges facing the West
In 2022, we’re pleased to welcome 16 RAs into the Lane Center family, with projects addressing climate change, water conservation, the energy transition, tribal justice, tourism, and more.
Bill Lane Center Director Bruce Cain with Senior Researcher Iris Hui
Remembering Iris Hui
We mourn the loss of our beloved colleague, mentor and friend, Iris Hui.
From left to right, Hope Eccles, Eve Lilley, and Bill Lilley
Remembering Bill Lilley
The Lane Center remembers Bill Lilley, a charter member of our Advisory Council, whose commitment, generosity and creativity represented unparalleled contributions to the Council’s work and the Center
Image credit: Christopher Michel
Practical tips to mitigate harm from wildfire smoke
Lane Center researchers and partners offer tips for staying safe from the smoke during wildfire season.
The Bill Lane Center and colleagues release joint survey findings on transgender legislation and policies
A new report examines the attitudes and opinions of Arizona, California and Texas residents regarding restrictive legislation and policies related to the transgender population. The report finds that residents of blue California, red Texas and purple Arizona generally do not support more rights for transgender people.
2023 interns embark on summer adventures
Our 2023 intern cohort has launched. Nineteen "West" interns and seven Shultz Fellows make up this summer's talented and passionate group of students dedicated to supporting a thriving American West.
Photo by Designecologist on Unsplash.
Lane Center experts share tips to protect against wildfire smoke
As Canada's wildfires create hazardous air quality in the U.S., Stanford researchers who study air quality, human health and public policy have these practical tips to mitigate harm from the smoke.
Stanford to the Sea 2023
On Saturday, May 20, the Bill Lane Center hosted its annual 22-mile trek from Stanford to the Sea. Traditionally, the route winds from its starting point at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve through Wunderlich County Park, continues along Bear Gulch Road and the Skyline Trail before catching the Purisima trail downhill to shuttles for San Gregorio State Beach.
State of the West 2023: Navigating Borders in North America
With special attention to the U.S.-Mexico border crisis, Stanford's State of the West Symposium assessed the economic and fiscal health of the American West. A joint program with the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, the event featured academic researchers, business and investment practitioners, and other stakeholders concerned with the well-being of western North America.
Photo by Phanatic via Flickr
Ninth Annual Eccles Family Rural West Conference
This year, our Rural West Conference takes up the theme of “Human and Ecosystem Health in the Rural West." On April 1, we'll be in Fort Collins, Colorado, to address the challenges of rural policy, health, and environment with top academics, practitioners, and policymakers.
