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Facilities

 

Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) [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 the PEREC 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. Robert Jonas.

 

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 Dr. Changwoo Ahn. 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 current greenhouse was moved in June 2010 to its new location at the end of President Park Drive between Student Housing and Lot R. The current facility is 1,296 sq. ft. and includes two rooms and a prep room. 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 1,000 students utilize the greenhouse for classes annually. Several important faculty research projects will also be housed here in future. For further information, view our web page here, or contact Monica Marcelli, Greenhouse Manager, at 703-993-4043.

 

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.

 

Microbiome Analysis Center (MBAC) [top]

At the Prince William campus, ESP hosts a state-of-the-art molecular ecology and evolution 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, please visit the MBAC website, or contact Dr. Patrick Gillevet.

 

Vehicles [top]

ESP owns three vehicles which may be used for teaching and research activities. The Chevy Suburban and Ford F-250 are available for general use, whereas the Chevy Camouflage Diesel Blazer is dedicated to the 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.