Mission Statement
The mission of the Vassar Ecological Preserve is to protect and preserve the ecological diversity of the land to ensure that its educational value will be maintained in perpetuity. The Vassar Ecological Preserve promotes increased understanding and appreciation of the natural systems on the preserve through field-based education and research. Much of the work we perform is in relation to habitat monitoring and restoration, so that students and faculty may continue to learn about the world around us. In addition to that, trails are maintained for guests to walk, run, and in some areas, bike. We lead nature walks centering around beavers, birds, and so much more.
Description
About the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve
The Vassar College community and Poughkeepsie area residents now utilize the 527-acre farm and ecological preserve in a variety of ways.
The northeastern portion of the Vassar Farm is designated as a multiple use area. Many community members visit this part of the Vassar Farm to tend a plot in the community garden or pick up a share of vegetables from the Poughkeepsie Farm Project. This area is also used for athletics with both the Vassar Rugby and Cross Country team calling the farm home.
The Field Station and Ecological Preserve is an invaluable resource for Vassar scientists. Vassar faculty and students conduct research on the 415-acre Ecological Preserve. The Priscilla Bullitt Collins Field Station was built in 1995, and is used to study natural history, ecology, botany, environmental education, and earth science. It contains a library, classroom, laboratory, computers, and a modern weather station. The surrounding area offers a diversity of habitats including streams, wetlands, ponds, forest, and old fields. Community members also use the preserve by walking on network of marked trails.
