Field Trip: Environmental Monitoring at the Ambler Field Station

Saturday 8:00am-3:30pm Ambler Field Station

Leaders

Laura Toran, Temple University
Mariana Bonfim, Temple University
Alexandra Davatzes, Temple University

The Ambler Field Station leverages the 187-acre Ambler Campus and Arboretum as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom, providing access to a diversity of natural habitats including forests of different ages and structure, meadows, ephemeral streams, and beautiful designed gardens. A field trip to the Ambler Field station provides a unique opportunity to see urban research and teaching of environmental monitoring. A focal point of our exploration will be the aftermath of an EF-2 tornado that struck on September 1, 2021. The comprehensive before-and-after survey data presents a unique chance to quantitatively assess tornado-induced damage and subsequent recovery dynamics. In addition, learn about the solar panel array on-site, where researchers are systematically investigating the sustainability of various plant species beneath the panels. This inquiry sheds light on the intricate interplay between vegetation and solar infrastructure. During this field trip, also discover our new fully-accessible field camp option for students, fostering inclusivity, and explore opportunities for students to engage in impactful research and field studies within an urban context. Field stations are living laboratories, facilitating hands-on and field-based experience while also offering opportunities to conduct research and train students on our most pressing environmental challenges.

Logistics

  • Departure: Participants will meet at the field trip meeting point: in front of the Temple Performing Arts Center (intersection of Broad St. and Polett Walk) at 8:00am.
  • Return: Shuttles will leave the field station by 2:30pm, and arrive back on the main campus by 3:30 pm.
  • Releases: All participants will need to sign liability releases.
  • Attire: Sturdy close-toed shoes for walking and pants. Rain gear/umbrellas, if needed. We also recommend lightweight long sleeves.

Location

The Temple Ambler Field Station established the Temple Forest Observatory in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) as a platform for integrated research and training and to promote diversity in the sciences. Remarkably, after detailed data on more than 4,500 woody stems had been collected by students and other scientists following standardized ForestGEO protocols, the Temple Forest Observatory was struck by the 2021 tornado. Since then, the Field Station has been actively monitoring the recovery of the forest while also leveraging this event to teach about climate change to various audiences. Other major research programs include ecosystem services study, research on the impacts of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, agrivoltaics and stormwater monitoring.

Strategy

The focus of this field trip will be three stations that small groups will rotate through during their visit. The first station is the study site for tornado recovery where we will discuss ForestGEO initiatives and early recovery findings. The second station will be the solar array which will explore sensors to evaluate plants that can be sustained under panels. At this stop we will discuss the compatibility of alternative energy and land use, known as agrivoltaics. The third station will be at the campus stormwater basin where we will explore how urban soils influence stormwater control measures and what leads to failure. We will spend time discussing a variety of subsurface and stormwater monitoring techniques. After visiting all stations, the trip will proceed back to the main campus. There will be breaks in between stations and lunch will be served at midday. Stations will be mostly visited by foot, also allowing the opportunity to explore other surrounding areas on foot, enhancing the immersive experience of the journey.

Tentative Itinerary

  • Assemble at the field trip meeting point: in front of the Temple Performing Arts Center (intersection of Broad St. and Polett Walk) at 8:00am.
  • Board shuttle by 8:15am. Shuttle will leave promptly at 8:15am.
  • Arrive at Ambler field station around 9:00am
  • Group presentation indoors with tornado and solar data from 9-9:30
  • Break up into 3 groups, who will rotate between the 3 stops:
    • Stop 1: 9:15- 10:30
    • Break indoors for water/snacks 10:30-10:45
    • Stop 2: 10:45-noon
    • Box Lunch indoors: noon-1pm (includes optional hike through forest, or tour of the gardens)
    • Stop 3: 1-2:15
    • Tour Stops: Agrivoltaics, Stormwater basin, Forest Recovery
  • Leave around 2:30pm; we will be back on the main campus by 3:30pm

Cost and Registration

Registration for the field trip is open to the first 40 people to sign up. Participants can sign up when completing their Rendezvous registration form. Cost is $55 and includes transportation and a box lunch.


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