Bousson Environmental Research Reserve
Allegheny’s Bousson Environmental Research Reserve is 283 acres of woodlands, ponds, streams, wetlands, and native wildlife. Located just a few miles east of campus, this forest is reserved for research and some recreational use. Professors engage students in research including investigations into soil organic matter, aquatic habitats, hydrology, and soil types.
Bousson Faculty
Biology: Matthew Venesky
Environmental Science: Rich Bowden, Casey Bradshaw-Wilson, Kelly Pearce
WCRC Faculty: Casey Bradshaw-Wilson, Kelly Pearce
WCRC Staff: Mark Kirk, Briana Sebastian, Chris Shaffer
Environmental Science and Sustainability
As an ESS student, you’ll utilize Bousson to explore the natural world and the humans who live in it. Designed as one of the most hands-on programs at Allegheny, in ESS you won’t just study the environment — you’ll improve it.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lab
Allegheny’s fully equipped Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory is used to analyze geographic and environmental information with 25 computers, smart board, and wide format scanner. Students have created many geographical information systems (GIS) maps over the years as part of the curriculum, including those of Bousson highlighted below.
Maps of the Area
Bousson Trails and Ecological Features
Source: Brandon Goeller ’10, Allegheny College, 2009.
Topographic Map (DRG 1:24,000 scale: U.S. Geological Survey, 1996)
Land Cover Map (NLCD 2006: U.S. Geological Survey, 2011)
Aerial Photo (PAMAP Program 2005 Color Orthophotos: PA DCNR, 2006)
