Research Facilities

Plum Island Coastal Field Stations

Marshview Farm Field Station                                                          Rowley Field House

There are two field facilities, the Marshview Farm Field Station 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 in Rowley, MA has been rented from Essex County Greenbelt Association since 1992 and provides direct water access to the Rowley River. MBL purchased Marshview Farm in Newbury, MA in January of 2003. Marshview provides expanded housing, laboratory space, storage, and meeting and conference areas for visiting students and researchers.

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 at any one time. In the basement, a laboratory has been 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 five acres surrounding the property include garden plots, open fields, and a small pond. The property is surrounded by over 125 acres of woods and marsh managed by the State Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife. Just north of the property a walking path leads to a canoe launching spot and nice views of the Parker River. Additional housing for up to 8 people can be found at the nearby Rowley field house. The Rowley House has 2 bedrooms (4 beds each), 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.

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 Farm, 297 Newburyport Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01951 (978) 465-4127
Rowley Field House, 95 Railroad Avenue, Rowley, MA 01969 (978) 948-5016