SCBI

With the leadership program, our fourth themed meeting of "research" took us on a field trip to Front Royal, VA in September, to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. This is the location of a global research center on endangered species. Like SAO earlier in the year, it was remarkable to see the world-class research underway and understand the global connections and importance of what Smithsonian science does.

 A few folks commented on how this might look like Tuscany, if not for the Smithsonian starburst logo.

 A new partnership with George Mason University has new labs and classrooms, with cutting-edge technology. This one has little "robots" that track movement and voice for dynamic distance-learning.

 The new dorm and cafeteria have lots of these green signs, indicating the many ways that the building is meeting new standards of efficiency and sustainability.

 Um, these are nothing like the tools we use at the museum! No high-powered dart guns for us.

 Isn't he cute? This little bear helps show the many ways that the animal hospital works to take care of the "live objects" in the care of the center.

 And the critters! No trip is complete without seeing some of the endangered species that are the primary research of the center. Here, red pandas -- so cute!

 Clouded leopards. Beautiful!

 Yes, cranes!! We were in the enclosure with this pair, I couldn't believe it. (No, that's not my hand, but I would have volunteered if they'd asked.)

Cheetahs. No, we were outside the fence here.

But a remarkable field trip. We didn't have enough time, of course, but we did get an understanding of the depth and breadth of the research. One of our classmates works here as a reproductive physiologist, so we do have inside access for coming back..... Truly one of the most remarkable aspects of the program is this first-hand view of the Smithsonian.