Environmental Education Center at the JMU Farm

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Environmental Education Centerat the JMU Farm

• Dr. Steven P. Frysinger
• Associate Professor and Coordinator,
• ISAT Environment Group
• College of Integrated Science and Technology

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Mission

• Transform the house and land of the
• JMU Farm into an
• Environmental Education Center
• to serve as a locus of educational outreach to
  the broader JMU community.

3
Goals

• Provide a space in which to effectively promote
  environmental awareness among school students and
  community groups
• Support on-going JMU student projects involving
  air quality, surface and ground water protection,
  and alternative energy systems and
• Provide an inviting off-campus venue for
  workshops, meetings, and symposia.

4
The Location

• The Farm is ideally located on the North
  River, just upstream of the head of the South
  Fork of the Shenandoah River.

5
The Property

• The Farm property includes 30 acres of mostly
  wooded land, with almost 1000 ft of river
  frontage.

6
The Woods

• 25 acres of woods border the North River, and
  include both hardwoods and loblolly pines.
  Wildlife is evident throughout the property.

7
The River

• Direct access to the North River offers
  hands-on teaching opportunities in limnology,
  runoff, non-point source pollution, and the
  general issues of the Chesapeake watershed.

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Existing Structures

• There is an old brick farmhouse, and a modern
  recreational pavilion, served by a gravel drive
  and parking area.

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The Pavilion

• The pavilion offers fair-weather teaching
  space, as well as modern restrooms, a fireplace,
  and barbecue pit.

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The House

• Built in 1838, the Federal-style house has 6
  rooms with fireplaces, and a grand stairway.
• Currently closed, the building is sound and
  restorable.

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Project Timeline

• Proposal submitted to JMU Administration in March
  1997 yielded approval to proceed.
• Community needs assessment conducted by Becky
  Schmidt in 1997-8 found substantial need and
  community support for project.
• Director Janet James appointed Aug. 1998 to
  pursue funding and begin to develop environmental
  education curriculum.

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Environmental Education Center