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Facilities

 

Belmont Bay - Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center [top]

Plans have been developed for an environmental research and education center to be located at the Belmont Bay development near the mouth of the Occoquan River. When fully implemented, these plans call for a 45,000 square foot facility with wet labs for teaching and research, lecture rooms, offices for faculty, graduate students, and other researchers, a spatial analysis laboratory, and a library/resource center. For updates on the Belmont Bay facility visit our website.

 

Boat Compound [top]

ESP has a number of boats for use in research and teaching. Most of the boats are housed on trailers at the Boat Compound on Roberts Road.  These boats include a Sea Ox (23 ft), Polar Kraft (19 ft), and Boston Whaler (14 ft). These three boats have a daily charge associated with their use and must have an approved boat driver on board. In addition there several canoes available for use. These boats may be utilized by GMU faculty and students.

The newest vessel is a 33 foot inboard power boat which will be moored at the Belmont Bay Marina starting in April 2006.  This boat is suitable for research cruises, small classes, and special water events. It may be rented on a daily basis. Costs will include a certified captain. 

Complete the Boat Request Form to secure reserve a boat. For additional information, contact Dr. R.C. Jones.

 

Ecological Observatory and Wetland Experiment Area [top]

A 4 acre site on the western edge of the Fairfax Campus has been designated as an Ecological Observatory and Wetland Experiment Area under the management of the Environmental Science and Policy Department. The Ecological Observatory will be used as a “living laboratory” for numerous classes in the natural sciences and the Wetland Experiment area will be used for controlled experiments in wetlands ecology. For further information, contact R. Christian Jones. Additional details can be found at the following website. You may also review the original Proposal for the Ecological Observatory, or the updated "Wetland Mesocosm Compound and Ecological Observatory Area" poster (jpg).

 

Greenhouse [top]

The Mason Greenhouse has been supporting teaching and research since the late 1970's. The current facility includes two glasshouses (900 square foot interior space) and a headhouse (1100 square foot interior space). A permanent plant collection with representatives from major plant groups is housed in the facility as well as a rotating set of class and research experiments. Over 1000 students utilized the greenhouse for classes annually. Several important faculty research projects are housed there. The current greenhouse is scheduled to be moved to a new location during the 2006-2007 academic year. For further information, contact the main office at 703-993-1043.

 

Herbarium [top]

The Ted R. Bradley Herbarium is located in Krug Hall houses an archival reference collection of ca. 60,000 dried plant specimens. As one the five largest herbaria in the Commonwealth, it maintains an excellent representation Virginian flora. The herbarium is available to Mason students and faculty as well as visiting scholars. For additional information view the web page here, or contact Dr. Andrea Weeks.

 

Molecular Biocomplexity Laboratory [top]

At the Prince William campus, ESP hosts a state-of-the-art molecular environmental biology resource.  This resource provides vital support to faculty, students, and visiting researchers utilizing molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools to explore ecological and environmental questions.  For further information, contact Dr. Patrick Gillevet.

 

Vehicles [top]

ESP owns three vehicles which may be used for teaching and research activities. The Chevy Blazer (blue) and Ford Explorer are available for general use, whereas the camouflage diesel Blazer is dedicated to towing of boats. A mileage charge is assessed for use. Drivers are required to have a valid US driver's license.

Complete the Vehicle Request Form to secure reserve a vehicle. For additional information, contact Dr. Robert B. Jonas.