Archbold established a research station and preserve where scientists could live and conduct research on animals and plants in a natural setting. He lived at the Station in the south end of the Main Building, working constantly to improve the Station's facilities. In 1973, he added 3,000 acres of adjacent native habitat to the Station. He died on August 1, 1976, leaving his estate to Archbold Expeditions to provide permanent Station funding.

In 1983 the Trustees of Archbold Expeditions purchased adjacent lands for the Station; the 240-acre tract containing Lake Annie and the 150-acre Hicoria Tract. In the 1990s, the Station began purchasing pristine lands at our southeastern border adding 520 acres so far. Some of these tracts were purchased with the many donations to the Station's Scrub Acquisition Fund.