field stations
Hiram features two biological field stations. Both are active research and educational facilities that deliver enrichment and inspiration for students in all majors.
Image: Class looking at wildlife at the field station
EXPERIENCE CLASSROOMS UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Our Field Stations are proud members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations, and the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity. Interested in events and programming happening at our local James H. Barrow Biological Field Station here in Hiram, OH? Click below for our full calendar of upcoming events.
FIELD STATION Student Engagement
Hiram College takes an interdisciplinary approach to education, ensuring that you have the skills necessary to make a positive impact on the world. No matter what your course of study is, you can learn about the natural world, sustainability, or whatever your interests are through programs offered at the James H. Barrow Field Station.
Ecomanagement and Land Stewardship
Land Stewardship
The Field Station places a large emphasis on ecological management, habitat restoration, and sustainable landscaping. Students have opportunities to be involved in the maintenance of the Field Station’s 550-acres of land, including the 20-acre Hils Vista, which is a part of the Field Station’s Grasslands program.
Animal Care and Husbandry
Animal Care and Husbandry
The Field Station serves as a rehab center for endangered animals, and is home to over 20 animal ambassadors. The Field Station’s animal ambassadors serve as educational ambassadors for outreach events, children’s camps, and public appearances. The care of these animals also teaches student workers a myriad of skills. Students learn the correct way to care for animals, to provide them with the right food, medical care and enrichment.
Education and Outreach
Education and Outreach
Education and community outreach are two of the cornerstones of the Field Station. Programming often engages the larger Hiram community through summer nature camps, developing field trips and visiting classrooms, creating educational displays, and planning programming for both the community and College.
Scientific Research
Scientific Research
The Field Station hosts a variety of both faculty- and student-led ecological research projects that are used for classes, internships, and capstone projects. Recent research projects have included monitoring cavity and ground-nesting bee populations, assessing the effects of beech leaf disease in old growth forests, trail map development, and publishing data through the Environmental Data Initiative.
Sustainability
Sustainability
Hiram College offers a wide variety of ways to get involved in Sustainable Development. Opportunities at the Field Station involve student jobs, sustainable landscaping internships with Hiram’s Sustainability Coordinator, and involvement in groups such as the Garden Pals Cooperative, which grows food for the animals at the Field Station. The Field Station also partners with Hiram’s Sustainable Development Committee to bring environmental change to Hiram’s campus through initiatives such as their composting program.
Biological FIeld Stations
James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
The James H. Barrow Biological Field Station is a 500 plus acre active research and educational facility that not only enhances the science and environmental studies programs, but encourages interdisciplinary studies in all fields. Home to one of the largest strands of old growth beech-maple forest in the Northeast, the Field Station is a great retreat and educational facility for students of all majors to get involved.
Image: Students at the field station
Image: Public leadership students
NOrthwoods Field STation
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Northwoods Field Station was built by a group of Hiram students and faculty in the 1970s, and is located deep in the Hiawatha National Forest. The 14-acre forested property, abutting both Cherry Lake and a kettle bog, consists of a hand-constructed lodge, six cabins, and a wood-fired sauna, all of which are off-grid. Students have opportunities to visit Northwoods through classes, internships, research, and organized visits.
Contact US
Feel free to reach out to us with questions about the field stations and sustainability efforts at Hiram College.
