Are you interested in conducting research at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park?
We accept research requests on a rolling basis. All requests are evaluated by our research coordinator and leadership committee to ensure we can accommodate the project and to provide an accurate quote for facility use. Requests must be made at least 60 days before the intended start date of the research, but we strongly encourage folks to seek approval prior to the submission of grant proposals that require use of the facility. Facility availability is not guaranteed.
To submit a request:
- Download and complete our research request form
- Email your completed form to the ORWRP general mailbox (water@osu.edu).
- Be sure to include a copy of your research proposal and any necessary permits.
Please note that researchers will be required to provide the ORWRP with a one-page research summary at the conclusion of the project to use for education and outreach. We encourage researchers to work closely with our research and outreach coordinator throughout the project.
Questions? Email water@osu.edu.
Available Facilities
Facilities available for research use at the ORWRP include:
- Heffner Building
- Analytical lab (Room 104)
- Olentangy River
- Access to ~0.9km reach of Olentangy River (non-wadeable) between two low-head
dams and access to ~0.2km reach of Olentangy River (wadeable) below one of
the low-head dams. Manual boat launch is available in the larger reach; however, the
location does not have a formal boat launch for motorized boat access.
- Access to ~0.9km reach of Olentangy River (non-wadeable) between two low-head
- Tributary stream to Olentangy River
- Small stream with shrub and grass riparian area. Begins at outflow of experimental
wetlands and travels to the Olentangy River. Receives inputs from bioreserve pond
and oxbow wetland. Stream flow is dependent on precipitation and Olentangy River stage.
- Small stream with shrub and grass riparian area. Begins at outflow of experimental
- Bioreserve Pond
- Small pond surrounded by grassy vegetation that is connected to a tributary of the
Olentangy River
- Small pond surrounded by grassy vegetation that is connected to a tributary of the
- Constructed, experimental wetlands
- Two, 1-ha experimental wetlands with elevated boardwalks for observation and
sampling.
- Two, 1-ha experimental wetlands with elevated boardwalks for observation and
- Oxbow wetland (I.e., Billabong)
- Experimental wetland, no formal structures
- Experimental mesocosm facility
- 64, 210-gallon tubs for controlled experiments using either well or river
water - Complex can be enclosed by shade cloth
- 64, 210-gallon tubs for controlled experiments using either well or river
- Other unique habitats on-site include:
- Bottomland hardwood forest, storm water wetland, Odum Pond (ephemeral)
Associated Fees
Please see below for fees associated with facility use. We encourage faculty to include these costs in budgets for grant proposals.
Fee Description | Cost |
Facility Access Fees – Research/Daily | $50.00 |
Facility Access Fees – Research/Monthly | $500.00 |
Facility Access Fees – Research/Annual | $5,000.00 |
Mesocosm Facility Access Fee – Set-up | $300.00 |
Mesocosm Facility Access Fee – Take down | $300.00 |
Mesocosm Facility Access Fee – Research Weekly, Per tank | $37.00 |