The Learning Barge: teaching about environmental and cultural ecologies on the Elizabeth River. An interdisciplinary team of University of Virginia students and faculty are collaborating with diverse community partners on an innovative service-learning project to design and fabricate a floating, self-sustaining field station. The Learning Barge, located on the most polluted tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, will provide interactive K-12 and adult education about how the river and human activities are inextricably linked. Unlike environmental education centers located in pristine nature, the Learning Barge traverses an important urban river linking Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Moving to a different river restoration site every few months, the Learning Barge will teach participants about the tidal estuary ecosystem, restoration efforts and the Elizabeths economic and transportation significance as a major port. The non-profit Elizabeth River Project will own and operate the field station, which will support environmental research, education and public outreach primarily to economically and socially disadvantaged children. The design harnesses energy from sun and wind, filters rainwater and gray water in a contained bed wetland, and utilizes recycled materials and green technologies. To find out more about the project visit our website:
http://www.arch.virginia.edu/learningbarge (less info)