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Ecology Research Center

The Ecology Research Center (ERC) is the focal point for ecological field research at Miami University and provides a venue for educational opportunities for middle, high school, and university students. This 69-hectare field station contains a diversity of field sites and facilities that support both aquatic and terrestrial research.

About the ERC

The Ecology Research Center (ERC) is the focal point for ecological field research at Miami University and provides a venue for educational opportunities for middle, high school, and university students. This 69-hectare field station contains a diversity of field sites and facilities that support both aquatic and terrestrial research. In addition the ERC provides the tools and equipment needed to maintain field plots and the ERC staff are available to provide advice and assistance in the design and fabrication of research apparatuses and sampling devices.

The ERC is home to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and DOE (US Department of Energy) meteorological station. In addition to collecting data on precipitation quality (since 1979), the station also monitors:

  • dry deposition quality
  • lightning frequency
  • spatial and temporal fluctuations in solar radiation

Education and Outreach Opportunities

The ERC staff will assist educators, group leaders at all levels in developing age-appropriate exercises for their class or group. The staff are happy to identify and help to implement activities, when appropriate relying on the expertise at the Miami University's Center for Environmental Education. Tours can be customized to meet the needs of a specific age or interest level. Tours can be as brief as 1 hour or as long as a half of a day.

Unique Opportunities

The Ecology Research Center is unique because it provides opportunities for real manipulative research that are typically not possible at environmental education facilities. For example, landscape manipulation and collection of plants, insects and other invertebrates can be done without the need for special permits. The ERC has a variety of habitats that are close to one another, providing many opportunities for comparisons among various terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Educational Opportunities

The ERC provides exceptional educational opportunities for students of all ages. There is a large weather station, a bird-watching area, numerous beehives, and nature trails. Visitors can take a guided tour of the center facilities or participate in exciting field research projects. The ERC is a site for field exercises that are part of many Miami University classes and new activities are always welcome.

Outreach

The center regularly hosts the bi-monthly meeting of the Butler County Beekeepers Association. The ERC has hosted environmental awareness and 4-H groups, residents of local nursing homes, the Butler and Preble County Water Association, as well as various student groups.

Ecology Research Center

Jeremy Fruth, Manager
5806 Somerville Road
Oxford, OH 45056