Prospective Students
The ecohydrology lab studies all aspects of the terrestrial water cycle from the leaf to the watershed, as well as a broad range of plant physiological and forest ecosystem processes related to water quantity in small and large watersheds, including wetlands. Please contact Dr. Brantley if you think you might be interested in pursuing a graduate degree in ecohydrology or a related field such as ecology, forest hydrology, or environmental engineering. We are always happy to discuss potential projects, schools, and funding options. Potential faculty collaborators are also welcomed to contact Dr. Brantley to discuss prospective students that may fit within our lab mission.
The ecosystems of Ichauway
The Jones Center at Ichauway is a non-profit ecological research center located in Baker County, GA. The Ichauway property covers 29,000 acres of mostly longleaf pine savanna, but also mixed hardwood forests, riparian hardwood forests, wetlands, and agricultural fields. Fifteen miles of the Ichauwaynochaway Creek runs through the property and 13 miles of the Flint River form the eastern boundary. Longleaf pine used to cover over 90 million acres in North America, but as of 2010, only approximately 3.4 million acres (~3%) remain. The southeast of the U.S. in general and Ichauway specifically boasts a tremendous amount of diversity. Over 1,100 vascular plant species and over 370 vertebrate species have been documented on Ichauway.
Housing
The majority of our on-site lodging is newly constructed (pictured below). Lodging assignments vary depending on availability. All lodging comes equipped with basic kitchen supplies and are fully furnished, including all major appliances. Everyone has a private bedroom and bathroom. The common spaces, such as kitchen, living area, and laundry spaces, are shared. You supply your own queen-size bed linens, bath towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.
Proximity of amenities
Internet is provided in all lodging for students. Cell service can be somewhat patchy depending on your service provider and where you are on site. Verizon is the most reliable. Basic groceries and household items are available within a 20-minute drive, and major grocery stores are located within a 35-minute drive.
Community
A kaleidoscopic cast of graduate students and research assistants adds sparkle to the Jones Center. The diverse research specialties at the center mean that birding, botanizing, herping, and other informal natural history excursions happen often.
Common social and recreational activities include soccer, river swimming, kayaking, roller skating and roller blading, volleyball, and basketball. Outstanding natural and cultural features within a 2.5-hour drive include Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla Springs, Apalachicola National Forest, the Suwannee River, Pine Mountain, Lake Seminole, and Kolomoki Mounds.
