Utah Valley University will become one of the first institutions of its kind to have a presence in a national park, as a field office at Capitol Reef is dedicated Thursday.
Adhering to the U.S. National Park Service's mission, the field office in Torrey will maintain historical preservation of the area, but also will provide opportunities for environmental education.
"There is no better way to learn than to be immersed in the content," said Renee Van Buren, director of UVU's field station program.
The arrangement between UVU and Capitol Reef National Park, which allows students and teachers to be on site for observation, research and interpretation, began in 2000. A resulting classroom and teaching facility, located within the park at the site of a historic ranch operation, aims to give students increased exposure to desert ecology. Other schools are also invited to use the facility.
"Using the field station for educational programs will provide opportunities for in-depth, first-hand learning experiences where the topics being discussed can be witnessed in a natural setting, rather than simply in a textbook," said park Superintendent Al Hendricks. He believes the topics studied will benefit further preservation of the park's resources.
Participating students will study and observe park ecosystems, allowing them unprecedented opportunities, Van Buren said.
The field station building was constructed to blend with the natural setting and includes solar panels, a propane generator and various other energy efficiencies. It utilizes sunlight for lighting and heat. Special care was taken to avoid disruption of the region's geologic, natural and cultural aspects.
In addition to a classroom, the station includes a residence for a caretaker, dormitories for up to 24 people and a utility building.
E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com