The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Research and Education Field Station (REFS) is a regional hub for educational, research, and community outreach programs in the associated St. Anne Natural Areas. These natural areas span access to the Ohio River and extend over 155 acres including bottom forest and open canopy wetlands, upland meadows, and old-growth upland forests. REFS is just six miles (15 min) from the NKU campus and eight miles from downtown Cincinnati. The station averages over 1250 user visits per year. Research studies at REFS focus on Invasion and Disease Ecologies, Climate Change, Phenology and Long-term Monitoring. A large shed for classes, research, and equipment construction & storage, and space in the main building facilitates investigators. University curriculum for field work and outdoor education ranges across seven disciplines (21 courses) and multiple regional universities and colleges. REFS also offers a Professional Micro-credential in Wetland Management to provide technical skills for agency personnel, consulting firms, landowners, students, and citizens concerned with wetland habitat. Community engagement offers nature learning and experiences for the public at REFS. We have Winter (Backyard Birding), Spring (Earth Day Hikes), Summer (Talk-&-Walk Nature Series and Day Camp), and Fall (Nature Adventure Day) activities for all to attend.
- Year Founded
- 2017
- Year Joined OBFS
- 2017
- Size of Field Station (hectares)
- 1-100
- FSML Web Address
- https://nku.edu/refs/
- Private nonprofit organization?
- No
- Universities affiliated / Parent Organization
- Northern Kentucky University
- Federal, state, or local governmental partners?
-
No
- Member of the Virtual Field
- Yes