Series documents Terry Simmons’ academic research, especially into environmental and international ecological issues, as well as Simmons’ collaboration with other researchers and involvement in various journals, conferences, and lectures. Topics researched include the High Ross Dam Controversy, the International Joint Commission, and water rights, among others. Some files contain Simmons’ research into Indigenous rights in these issues, including material regarding: Raven Tales of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast; Bernard Q. Nietschmann’s work on cultural geography and with the Miskito people in Central America; and Thomas Talbot Waterman and Alfred Kroeber’s cultural anthropology studies and work with Indigenous peoples in California.

Series consists of notes, accumulated copies of primary sources from assorted libraries and archives, grey literature, correspondence, articles, and other material arising from Simmons’ research and involvement in academia.