Field Station Guide

                                                                                          
                                                                                         

Marshview Farm

297 Newburyport Turnpike

Newbury, MA 01951

978-465-4127

Rowley Field House

95 Railroad Avenue

Rowley, MA 01969

978-948-5016

Introduction and Description of Facilities

There are two field facilities, Marshview Farm and the Rowley Field House, available for use by Plum Island researchers and colleagues associated with the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL). The Rowley Field House provides direct water access and Marshview Farm provides expanded housing, laboratory space, storage, and meeting and conference areas for visiting students and researchers.

The Rowley House has 2 bedrooms with 4 beds each (typically 1 room is for men and 1 is for women), a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, living area and small basement that can be used short term for some lab needs. There is also a small boat dock on the premises.

At the Marshview field station there are two adjoining houses, each with three bedrooms, a kitchen, full baths, and living space. The facility can house up to 13 individuals. There are two laboratory spaces equipped with sinks, counter space, and short-term refrigerator and freezer storage. Behind the barn there is an enclosed garage bay that can be used for short-term storage of field equipment and supplies, although there is no electricity. The Marshview facility is designed to meet the needs of both summer-long residents and shorter-term researchers. While the primary purpose of the facility is to support scientific research, it is important to remember that it is also a temporary home for summer field researchers.

Use of Facilities

All researchers affiliated with PIE LTER are required to register annually, regardless if you plan to visit PIE. You must also read the Principles of Community and Boating Policy and acknowledge Yes or No on the registration form.

All non-MBL researchers are also required to read the MBL Unlawful Harassment Policy and MBL Risk Waiver and acknowledge Yes or No on the registration form.

If you need housing at PIE, please check housing availability on the PIE housing calendar and complete the housing and boat request form and return to PIEfacilities@mbl.edu. For more information on housing, see Housing & Boat Use. Marshview is available for year round use while Rowley is seasonal only (May through November).

Guidelines for use: The Marshview facility is designed to meet the needs of both summer-long residents and shorter-term researchers. While the primary purpose of the facility is to support scientific research, it is important to remember that it is also a temporary home for summer field researchers. Bedrooms at both Marshview and Rowley are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no single rooms. We ask short-term users to share rooms with each other before sharing with other long-term users. Visitors must provide their own sheets, linens and towels. There is a washer and dryer in the upstairs bathroom of the “front house” at Marshview. As is true for any communal living situation, please be respectful of each other’s personal possessions, privacy and need for quiet.

Marshview not MUDview: Salt marsh ecology is dirty business so extra effort is required to keep the houses and the lab space clean. There are outside faucets near the lab entrances to wash muddy gear and people. Keep dirty gear and clothing outside, do not wear or keep field footwear or waders in the house, and hang wet gear on the clothesline.

Chipping in: The Marshview and Rowley Houses are run and cleaned by the people that use the facility. There is no grant for the upkeep and supply needs of the facilities and no caretaker; therefore it is the responsibility of each project to contribute to the cleanliness and maintenance of the field station. Be conscientious of your use of household consumables such as toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, cleaning supplies etc. and re-stock as needed. When you leave, always make sure the bedrooms, kitchen and common areas are clean and organized for the next visitor. Residents will help with weekly cleaning of general use areas. Use the white boards in the kitchen to keep track of household needs and to coordinate use of common areas, labs, and meeting space.

Where to park: At Marshview, please park vehicles in the parking area south of the barn. At the Rowley House, only 2 field vehicles are allowed to park at the house. If your project has 2 or more vehicles, park behind each other (front to rear) in the lot at the garage, pull all the way into the lot to accomplish this. Please leave 2 open spaces at garage lot for co-dock/home owner Neil Levine. Parking is also available up the road at the train station, ~$4.00/day.

And remember..... No Smoking and No pets inside the facilities.

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