Blandy Experimental Farm Educational Center Environmental Impact Statement By: Admiral Byrd Student

Project Background The reason I went to Blandy this year was to determine which site was best for building an educational site. On the fall trip, we did surface runoff test, site analysis, document analysis, and an archeological dig. From this, I learned that certain plants should be planted to stop runoff. I analyzed which site I thought was best, and I learned about the historical significance of a couple of the sites. In the spring trip, we did water tests. These calculated the ph levels and the cleanliness of the water. I also conducted a macroinvertebrate inventory, I did an analysis of the appraisal, and looked further into the possible sites at Blandy. This helped me make a definite decision about my site, and I also had the opportunity to learn more about Blandy’s history. At Blandy this year, the staff and teachers helped guide me to find the right site for their education center.

1940’s Research Greenhouse I think that the 1940’s greenhouse is the best place to build the Educational Center. This is because it is close to the entrance, has no historical significance, no important uses to Blandy, and has no effect on the ecosystem.

Environmental Literacy The greenhouse is a good place to build the education center because it is far enough from Lake Georgette to not harm its ecosystem. The only concern is that some runoff could enter the pond and the less pollution tolerant organisms would struggle. However, this is an easy fix.

Historical Significance There is no historical significance at the 1940’s Research Greenhouse. This is because it is old, but has no connection with a famous person or place. Also, it is not interesting because there are many other greenhouses in the area and a new greenhouse is currently being built. This greenhouse is not one of a kind or rare. Finally, no important event took place on this part of the Blandy property. The land that the greenhouse sits on used to be farmland.

Bus and Event Parking Lot This is the second best place to build the education center at Blandy. This is because the parking lot has no historical significance, a small effect on the ecosystem, and has nearby electric services. The reason this is not my first choice is because there would be flooding, and it is used for parking during certain events in the year.

Environmental Literacy The event bus lot is also a safe distance away from Lake Georgette. At this site, you do not have to worry about polluting the water or affecting the macroinvertebrates. The only concern at this site is that it could flood due to its topography and land features.

Historical Significance There is no historical significance at the Bus and Event Parking lot because there is no connection with an important person or place in history. Also, it is not interesting or rare because it is just past farmland and this type of land can be found in multiple spots at Blandy. Finally, no important events took place at this site.

Conclusion The 1940’s research greenhouse is best suited for constructing a building at Blandy Farms. The macro invertebrate tests do not matter to my site. The construction will not interfere with the living organisms from Lake Georgette and Rattlesnake Springs. This is because the construction will not take place on a site that has the living organisms in the water from the lake or the spring. The only concern that the macroinvertebrates should have is if the water runoff gets into their habitat. We can prevent this by putting up a barrier or plants to stop the water flow. The water levels also have little to no effect on my site. During construction, the only precaution I have is that the runoff could make it to Lake Georgette. Due to the topography at the 1940’s research greenhouse, there could be some runoff. The materials at the building site could enter Lake Georgette and then the water levels could change. The drinking water is unsafe for us, but the runoff could damage the animal’s habitat (like mentioned in the previous paragraph). We can prevent this in many ways, so it is not a big concern to me. Therefore, I suggest that the new education center be built on the land that the current 1940’s Greenhouse occupies.