Lodge makes for learning biology and cooperation
Steering committee will monitor challenges of dual-use biostation, guest facilities
Mary Petrides
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: News
A lake, a winding set of trails, a plethora of wildlife and cabins set in a pristine environment just three hours north of Hillsdale make up the college's Rockwell Lake Biostation. But with the recent addition of Rockwell Lake Lodge, the location is also ideal for conferences, retreats and even vacations.
The changing environment at the biostation brings new challenges to the biology department.
"I think any time you do something new there's concern," said David Houghton, assistant professor of biology and science director of the biostation. "We are not following the traditional model of a biostation."
To date, 612 guests have stayed at the Rockwell Lake Lodge, which opened in June, said Jack Oxenrider, vice president of the Dow Conference Center. So far, nearly all guests have been connected with Hillsdale College in some way. Advertising has only recently begun and to date there have been only two advertisements, both in "Imprimis," he said.
Student groups, including student leadership, fraternities and athletic teams have rented cabins.
As biology students and faculty adjust to having company at the biostation, a steering committee made up of Oxenrider, Houghton, Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé and Dean of Natural Sciences Chris Van Orman works to solve any concerns that arise from the addition of the lodge.
"We're still kind of feeling each other out," Van Orman said. "I'm very excited about working with the Dow Center."
Houghton said his primary concern is fishing in Rockwell Lake. The lake is small and could easily be fished out, he said.
According to the Rockwell Lake Lodge Web site, lodge guests must adhere to a catch-and-release policy unless the fish are to be consumed. Anglers must have a valid Michigan fishing license.
Only boats provided by the lodge may be used. Van Orman said this eliminates the risk of invasive species such as zebra mussels infesting the lake.
Péwé said if biology students or faculty need to make a certain area or activity off-limits to guests, they can do so.
The changing environment at the biostation brings new challenges to the biology department.
"I think any time you do something new there's concern," said David Houghton, assistant professor of biology and science director of the biostation. "We are not following the traditional model of a biostation."
To date, 612 guests have stayed at the Rockwell Lake Lodge, which opened in June, said Jack Oxenrider, vice president of the Dow Conference Center. So far, nearly all guests have been connected with Hillsdale College in some way. Advertising has only recently begun and to date there have been only two advertisements, both in "Imprimis," he said.
Student groups, including student leadership, fraternities and athletic teams have rented cabins.
As biology students and faculty adjust to having company at the biostation, a steering committee made up of Oxenrider, Houghton, Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé and Dean of Natural Sciences Chris Van Orman works to solve any concerns that arise from the addition of the lodge.
"We're still kind of feeling each other out," Van Orman said. "I'm very excited about working with the Dow Center."
Houghton said his primary concern is fishing in Rockwell Lake. The lake is small and could easily be fished out, he said.
According to the Rockwell Lake Lodge Web site, lodge guests must adhere to a catch-and-release policy unless the fish are to be consumed. Anglers must have a valid Michigan fishing license.
Only boats provided by the lodge may be used. Van Orman said this eliminates the risk of invasive species such as zebra mussels infesting the lake.
Péwé said if biology students or faculty need to make a certain area or activity off-limits to guests, they can do so.
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