The Blandy Experimental Farm (BEF) is a 700 acre field station, owned and operated by the University of Virginia since 1926 for the purpose of supporting field research. The BEF is not involved in agricultural research. The BEF preserves a diversity of habitats characteristic of the Ridge and Province Region, as well as a diverse array of successional fields. The BEF is unique among field stations because of i) its proximity to the large scientific community in the Washington, D.C. area; ii) the presence of a large, and mature Arboretum on-site (the State Arboretum of Virginia); iii) its proximity to a large array of pristine montane and aquatic habitats; iv) the ability of researchers to establish field experimental plots/gardens in close proximity to greenhouse and growth chamber facilities; and v) an extensive public education and outreach program. Research at the Farm has led to more than 70 student theses (25 in the last ten years). Thirty- five research projects (involving more than 32 Ph.D. researchers) have recently been completed or are ongoing. The ability of the BEF to support new and ongoing research is currently limited by inadequate housing facilities for researchers. This project will initiate development of a new residence complex and construct two 2-bedroom apartments for researchers. Twenty different researchers representing at least 22 separate research projects would benefit from expanded on-site housing.
