Field Station and Environmental Education Center

Join us at the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse and Nature Lab for a Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt, activities, and to learn about Pokémon and their real-life inspirations. Open to all ages, plus a free houseplant giveaway while supplies last.

What's the buzz? Could it be bees, bats, butterflies, or even birds? Find out at the Pollinator Party at the BSU Nature Lab, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, and Christy Woods from 10-3pm! Families and visitors can learn all about pollination from experts in our community, see examples of pollinators, and complete crafts and activities to learn more about our pollen-loving friends.

This hands-on restoration workshop is for individuals to learn practical, low- cost techniques to design and build wetlands that specifically provide habitat for Midwest amphibians. Attendees will learn how to select appropriate locations, test soil texture, choose the best construction technique, work with equipment operators, and establish native wetland plants.A contractor will use a large excavator to create a wetland on-site during the wetland workshop. Supplemental instruction in wetland soils, hydrology, wildlife and vegetation, along with an engaging PowerPoint presentation on the principles of wetland construction are included.Tom Biebighauser, primary instructor, has over 48 years of wetland and stream restoration experience and has built over 3,650 wetlands and streams in 26-States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. He teaches practical wetland restoration workshops around the world where participants learn about restoration by becoming involved in the design and construction of natural-appearing and functioning wetlands for rare species. He’s written 4 books about wetland restoration techniques and instructs graduate-level courses on the topic at two Universities. Tom has received 44 awards for his contributions to wetland restoration, including the National Wetlands Award for Conservation and Restoration in 2015. You can view videos he has produced showing how to build wetlands here.​Who should attend? Students, biologists, foresters, hydrologists, engineers, landscape architects, and restoration ecologists. No need for wetland experience to attend. Cost for Students: $175Cost for Professionals: $400Register online hereAccommodations: Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and meals. There are hotels near the intersection of McGalliard Ave. and Bethel Ave. near the work site. Wetland Restoration and Construction - A Technical Guide, book by Thomas R. Biebighauser, will be available for sale (Venmo accepted for payment)For more information, please contact John Taylor

This hands-on restoration workshop is for individuals to learn practical, low- cost techniques to design and build wetlands that specifically provide habitat for Midwest amphibians. Attendees will learn how to select appropriate locations, test soil texture, choose the best construction technique, work with equipment operators, and establish native wetland plants.A contractor will use a large excavator to create a wetland on-site during the wetland workshop. Supplemental instruction in wetland soils, hydrology, wildlife and vegetation, along with an engaging PowerPoint presentation on the principles of wetland construction are included.Tom Biebighauser, primary instructor, has over 48 years of wetland and stream restoration experience and has built over 3,650 wetlands and streams in 26-States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. He teaches practical wetland restoration workshops around the world where participants learn about restoration by becoming involved in the design and construction of natural-appearing and functioning wetlands for rare species. He’s written 4 books about wetland restoration techniques and instructs graduate-level courses on the topic at two Universities. Tom has received 44 awards for his contributions to wetland restoration, including the National Wetlands Award for Conservation and Restoration in 2015. You can view videos he has produced showing how to build wetlands here.​Who should attend? Students, biologists, foresters, hydrologists, engineers, landscape architects, and restoration ecologists. No need for wetland experience to attend. Cost for Students: $175Cost for Professionals: $400Register online hereAccommodations: Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and meals. There are hotels near the intersection of McGalliard Ave. and Bethel Ave. near the work site. Wetland Restoration and Construction - A Technical Guide, book by Thomas R. Biebighauser, will be available for sale (Venmo accepted for payment)For more information, please contact John Taylor