University Unwrapped – Photographer Ansel Adams is quoted as saying, “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.” That statement certainly captures the feeling around The EDGE office when we saw these amazing photographs taken along our Piedmont Trail by Victoria Martin, Life Sciences Librarian at George Mason University and accomplished nature photographer. Please take a few minutes to browse through these gorgeous images. To learn more about Victoria Martin, visit her page on Fine Art America. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing your work with us!
[nggallery id=31]Category: University Unwrapped
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Mason Student Conducts Environmental Research Study at The EDGE
- Post author By Eleftharia Giannopoulos
- Post date September 5, 2012
It’s amazing to see who and what are attracted to our tranquil setting nestled among 10-acres of forest, wetland, and meadows. We expect to see our Challenge Course bustling with teams engaged in experiential learning. The Piedmont Trail attracts many regular walkers and joggers. But, this year, we attracted a student conducting an original research project on wetlands. George Mason University Senior, Chris Fleshren, spent five weeks on our site with his camera, GPS, sketch pad, magnifying glass, rain-boots, and DEET; researching wetland characteristics and defining their borders. His preliminary write-up and photos of his findings follow:
Attention The EDGE and Nature Fans . . .
This summer I am researching the natural wetlands on the grounds of The EDGE Challenge Course in Prince William County. My name is Chris Fleshren, and I’m a senior at George Mason University. My major combines Global and Environmental Change with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Wetland ecosystems are vital components of our environment; they are complex, and exceedingly vulnerable to human developmental impact. Official definitions of wetlands vary somewhat, but most agree that the soil in “wetlands” must be saturated for long-enough during the growing season to support the growth of plant communities specifically adapted to soils with little or no oxygen. In turn, these plants attract distinctive species of birds, amphibians and animals resulting in unique ecosystems. The purpose of my research is to determine the borders of the wetlands, and prepare an assessment of their dominant characteristics. I will be entering and analyzing my findings in the GIS software program called ArcMAP. Maps I create of the wetland and its features will then be assembled with text and tables in a poster project for course credit. Using a global positioning unit I have been recording the location and abundance of resident tree and plant species. I have also tracked the creeks flowing into and out-of the wetland. I still have some soil survey/sampling to perform; and I will be moving some camera traps around in an effort to record some of the wildlife accessing the area. During this project I have encountered many unique examples of this area’s wildlife. In addition to the many turtles, frogs and snakes I discovered in the area, I found the bones of several mammals and a turkey. Other birds—still very much alive—reminded me that I was a guest in their environment. My wandering within about 4 feet of a roosting Ruffed Grouse caused it to explode into flight—nearly giving me a heart attack. I almost died again when a hawk strafed and screamed at me from what could not have been more than 6 feet above my head. This project has been a very memorable experience. I won’t soon forget the many hours I spent and miles I walked in rubber hip-waders in this summer’s 90+ degree temperatures… or the ticks and mosquitoes that ignored the DEET slathered all over me… or the gallons of Gatorade I chugged. See pictures for a taste of the EDGE Course’s local wildlife and a recent map of the wetland borders resulting from my study. [nggallery id=30] Tread softly, Chris – 8/22/12
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Mason Nation Representation in the World of Sports
- Post author By Eleftharia Giannopoulos
- Post date August 7, 2012
Like everyone around the world watching the Olympics, much of our attention has been focused on the sports world lately. Perhaps nowhere is organizational effectiveness and teamwork more obviously on display and directly measurable, than in sports. With that in mind, we wanted to pass along some recent stories that highlight how the Mason Nation is contributing to the world of sports.
- Mason’s S.M.A.R.T. Lab just published a new study examining head injuries among lacrosse players
- The Center for Study of Sport and Leisure in Society published “Errors of Olympic Proportion: The IOC, NBC and London 2012,” which discusses some of the negatives of this year’s Olympic Games.
- Mason’s Center for Sport Management and SportsUnited’s Sports Visitors Program continue to partner to bring global communities together by giving young athletes and coaches, often from underprivileged countries, the opportunity to engage with their overseas counterparts (including a day at The EDGE!)
- Last but certainly not least, our heartfelt congratulations go out to the Mason athletes who are participating in this year’s Olympic Games.
University Unwrapped – The sun was shinning, the music was loud, the lines for the free food snaked all around Parking Lot L – yes, it was Mason Day 2012 last Friday and The EDGE was there, were you? We brought along a few simple but challenging games to play and gave out some bubble gum and bracelets. And, our facilitator, Pujita, showed off her climbing expertise, getting to the top of the climbing wall the Army recruiters brought along. Thanks to everyone who stopped by The EDGE table. We had a great time and hope you did, too.
[nggallery id=18]University Unwrapped – We were thrilled to have been mentioned in an article on the George Mason University website entitled: Mason Brings Global Communities Together Through Sports Visitors Program. We are honored to be a part of this incredible program that brings young athletes and coaches from around the world to the United States for training and cultural exchange.