US (WV): Evansdale Greenhouse to sprout student learning experience

West Virginia University’s newly established Evansdale Greenhouse is nearing its opening date and will bring a valuable learning opportunity to students. The greenhouse, located on the Evansdale campus across from the South Agricultural Sciences Building and next to Percival Hall and was dedicated in September.

"There is no way to evaluate the impact this facility will have," said Nicole Waterland, assistant professor of horticulture. "It is an absolute necessity and a state-of-the-art facility." The facility was designed by Paradigm Architecture of Birmingham, Ala., and Morgantown.

With 28,250 square feet of space, it will be able to host a vast variety of projects. "The new greenhouse facilities will enable us and is vital to the work that we do," said Davis College dean Daniel Robison. "I guarantee if you put the students in the new facilities, they will be able to do more work than in the old ones."

Robison said the greenhouse is a prime example of the prominence of agriculture in today’s society. "When you go home and eat dinner tonight, it’s about agriculture," he said. "It takes lots and lots of work, and the greenhouse truly represents that."

The greenhouse has two classrooms, which are currently being used by students studying plant science and horticulture. Horticulture student John Wagers spoke at the dedication event for the greenhouse.

"The greenhouse is an upgrade that is a huge addition to the Davis College and will help to continue to improve our programs and broaden learning experiences," he said.

Perhaps the most fundamental part of the greenhouse is its ability to adjust its controls internally. Unlike the previous greenhouse, which was built in the 1960s, the new greenhouse is more efficient.

"The greenhouse has its own brain. It has very complex technology. It knows when to turn off and on lights, fans, the cooling system and to open and close vents," Waterland said.

The new greenhouse will be more automated, independent and economical, which will allow WVU to have top-caliber facilities to support academics and research.

"The greenhouse is a very important and critical part of our history as a land-grant University," said WVU President James P. Clements. "This is the perfect time to make a big statement like this about our commitment to agricultural sciences."

Source:www.thedaonline.com