Anonymous donor gives wetlands to ESU
ESU Media Relations
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
An anonymous donor has given two wetlands parcels to Emporia State University for use in the biology department. The 52-acre Neva Marsh west of Cottonwood Falls and the 128-acre Dunlap Bottoms tract in southeastern Morris County are the latest additions to ESU’s Natural Areas system. For ESU students and faculty who study biological diversity, these new sites are a blessing.
“I was very impressed by what I saw,” said Dr. William Jensen, an assistant professor who directs ESU’s Natural Areas for the Department of Biological Sciences. Jensen noted the high quality of the marsh habitat and the numerous birds, including migratory species that pass through in large numbers. In these wetland environments, Jensen said, amphibians also appear to thrive in the absence of fish and other predators.
Both sites are perfect locales for long-term study of natural ecosystems.
“It’s the best thing for the land,” the donor said. “The potential of that land has gone up ten-fold by the educational use of it. It’s set up as a good classroom for seeing what the ecosystem was like 150 or 200 years ago. It’s hands-on learning.”
A family owned the land for many years and, about a decade ago, added perpetual easements through the federal Wetlands Reserve Program – meaning that the land will remain perpetually preserved in its natural wetland state under federal protection. The protection makes these sites particularly appealing to the ESU biology department.
The donor and family grew up in Emporia, getting to know ESU’s professors and students well enough to view the university as an ideal recipient.
“I feel really good about it,” the donor said. “Education is one thing that you can pass on from generation to generation. That’s a gift that gives directly and indirectly…. That in itself is very rewarding, to know that you’ve facilitated such an action.”
admireed (anonymous) says...
Who pays for the upkeep on these facilities...ESU general budget?
September 10, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
What upkeep are you talking about exactly? It's a wetland march, no buildings/facilities. Do you mean who pays the taxes? dont understand your question.
September 10, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Land just just not just sit there some attention (expense) must be paid for it's maintainance...brush, inv. weeds, pick up trash...payment in lieu of taxes...etc.
September 10, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Midwestern_girl (anonymous) says...
I did some research at one of ESU's natural areas and it was really nice. There is a small building where students can study specimens that they find on the grass plain, a trailer that some graduate students live in, and a pond with a dock. The grad students do their field studies there as well as take care of the property. I am not sure if they will do any building for the wetlands like they did for the other, but it would be beneficial for the students to have a facility on site to study at. I am sure the fees for the new wetlands will be coming out of "campus fees." ESU is sneaky like that. BUT this is an excellent addition for the biology department!
September 10, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )