CUERE is located in the Technology Research Center at UMBC. The driveway entrance is near the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Shelbourne Road. A Google Maps link to our location is provided here. CUERE houses offices, meeting space, a GIS lab, and wet and dry laboratories. CUERE hosts the field headquarters of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study LTER project.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Spatial Analysis Laboratory
The mission of the CUERE spatial analysis laboratory is to apply an interdisciplinary approach to advance the understanding of human impacts on the environment through the provision of spatial analysis and data visualization.
The lab is equipped with a robust database and file server, seven GIS work stations, a large format plotter, a large format scanner, GIS and Spatial Analysis Software and data sets for staff, faculty, and student research.
Environmental Research Laboratory
The purpose of the lab is to provide dedicated space for intern/extern and graduate student research; a field lab for visiting scientists; a field and laboratory methodology classroom; an experimental and analytical demonstration space; and a soil sample processing area.
The lab is equipped with an independent ventilation fume hood, drying ovens, furnaces and sink space with large sample processing areas and integrated utilities. It includes storage spaces for equipment, glassware, and lab materials. There is also dedicated bench space and whiteboard for lecture, demonstration and practice. The lab is handicap accessible and has a mudroom for field equipment and clothing.
The lab provides for:
> Soil physical properties analysis
> Soil chemical properties analysis
> Soil sample processing for external analysis
> Water chemistry and quality analysis
Conservation and Environmental Research Area
The Conservation and Environmental Research Areas (CERA) were established in 1997 to support environmental education at UMBC. At present, CERA covers about 50 acres of the UMBC landscape.
The larger tract, covering approximately 45acres of the south end of the main campus, is composed of a wide variety of ecological conditions: mature upland forest, early- and mid- successional forest, and riparian and wetland environments.
The second, and much smaller CERA area (about 3 acres), surrounds Pigpen Pond. There are several areas within CERA where evidence of previous human occupancy and use can be found. In addition to teaching opportunities for faculty, CERA offers a wide range of opportunities for students and faculty to undertake short and long term research projects in a variety of disciplines. Management of CERA is guided by the need to maintain these landscapes as natural areas to be preserved and protected for approved uses in education, research and wildlife observation.
Faculty and students desiring further information or who wish to utilize CERA for research and teaching are encouraged to contact the CERA Steering Committee.