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Powdermill
will act as a partner for the Engineering Sustainability
2009 Conference that will run April 19-21, 2009 at the
University of Pittsburgh.
This
focused conference will bring together engineers and
scientists from academia, government, industry, and nonprofits
to share result of cutting-edge research and practice
directed at the development of environmentally sustainable
buildings and infrastructure.
Click
here for the downloadable Call for Papers (PDF, 710
Kb).
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 In
2006, Powdermill received a grant to establish a GIS (Geographic
Information Systems) lab. A GIS is basically a computerized
mapping system that allows for the mapping of spatial data
with detailed information in the form of tabular data.
There are many familiar examples of GIS including MapQuest
and Google Earth.
The
goals of the GIS lab are many and include the following:
- Create
detailed vegetation maps at a 20m scale
- Map
surface water and wetlands
- Map
ancillary features such as trapping locations, trails,
roads, buildings, etc.
- Create
maps for staff and research associates
- Provide
GIS support for researchers
- Create
a central repository for all data collected on PN
The
establishment of a GIS lab at Powdermill will facilitate
the creation of an archive of the present ecology of
the Reserve and permit the tracking of changes to the
Reserve caused by succession, establishment of invasive
species, and over-browsing by deer. And, importantly,
it enables informed land management decisions through
increased scientific knowledge.
As
of January 2007 over 800 vegetation points have been
mapped in two of Powdermill's fields. This includes
precise geo-referencing of nearly 13,000 trees! During
the winter we expect to complete the mapping of streams
and wetlands and ancillary features. We have already
produced several maps for staff on the Reserve and are
currently collaborating with Dr. Todd Katzner at the
National Aviary on a project tracking Golden Eagles in
eastern North America. (See http://www.aviary.org/csrv/eaglePA.php and
click on Track
an eagle on its migration route).
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Fully cognizant of its responsibilities for environmental
stewardship, Powdermill has recently undergone a significant
expansion and upgrade which includes technologies that are
energy efficient, are derived from renewable resources, and
that effectively manage wastewater. The building itself serves
as an educational exhibit of environmentally sensitive design
and construction.
