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(83) Turning Hogs into Eco-Education – Converting Experiment Station into Natural Resources Education Center
J. Thomas Chesnutt, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, Alabama; James S. Bannon, Auburn University, Auburn University, Alabama
Session: Poster session
The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) has served the citizens of Alabama for 120 years. The Lower Coastal Plain Substation (LCPSS) was added to the AAES system in 1948 to focus on swine production research. LCPSS was a productive research facility for 50 plus years, but agricultural research was discontinued in 2001 due to fiscal restraints and the statewide decline in swine production. The four swine lagoons on the property are under closure plans with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the significant timber resources continue to be managed according to the AAES Forestry Management Plan, but other active programs have been occurring on the 2500 acre site.
A broad based team was assembled to consider the future of the LCPSS site. The team consisted of individuals with backgrounds in forestry, tourism, business, agriculture, real estate, and wildlife management, in addition to local politicians. The decision was made for the LCPSS to become a natural resource education center with the mission to demonstrate the sustainable interaction between world-class economic, ecological, research, and educational programs through revenue generating public-private partnerships utilizing the latest technology and focused on natural resources, to synergistically benefit the citizens of Wilcox County, the state of Alabama, and the US.
The process that has taken place to convert the LCSS from a swine production research facility into a natural resource education center will be highlighted in this presentation, as well as Extension’s role in the project and the progress to date. This includes breaking ground on a visitors’ center that will interpret the Alabama River which is adjacent to the property, selecting and working with a consultant with expertise in experiential education, hiring an Extension specialist to be housed on site, close coordination with local politicians, and consultation with other agencies.
J. Thomas Chesnutt
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
218 Extension Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
Phone: 334-844-3517
Fax: 334-844-4709
chesnjt@auburn.edu
James S. Bannon
Auburn University
107 Comer Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
Phone: 334-844-5611
Fax: 334-844-5511
bannojs@auburn.edu