Research and Educational Activities at Hull Springs Farm

Collaborative research projects are underway at Longwood’s Hull Springs Farm:

• Longwood’s faculty and students have conducted research on bird and bat populations, and bird nesting patterns.
• Data collection about the Farm’s water quality and hydrology has been initiated.
• The Farm’s numerous archaeological sites, both prehistoric and historic, have been surveyed by Longwood University’s Archaeology Field School. 
• A research and public-education project made possible from a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) is examining “Living Shorelines” technologies for the Farm’s shoreline as well as the entire Lower Macodoc Creek.
• A new management plan for the Farm’s forested tracks was researched and developed by students and faculty of Virginia Tech.
• Wetland restoration research is being conducted by scientists from the College of William and Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

For more than a decade, students in Longwood’s ecology, botany, archaeology, mammalogy, and ornitholgy courses have conducted in-the-field class work during extended field trips to the Farm.

Learning Opportunities

Workshops for local residents are also held at the Farm, and in the near future, Longwood plans to offer learning opportunities for school children; school teachers; local contractors and builders; regional policy makers; and life-long learners through seminars, summer camps, and workshops.