Aquatic Ecology Lab
The Aquatic Ecology Lab is used for processing and storage of benthic samples. It houses a large collection of native and invasive freshwater molluscs, with over 70 species of unionid bivalves from Texas, New York, and Wisconsin.
Field Station
The Great Lakes Center Field Station is located on Buffalo's waterfront, four miles south of Buffalo State University's main campus. Situated on the water, the Field Station provides access to Lake Erie, the Buffalo River, the Niagara River, and their tributaries. Most of the field research done by the GLC is staged from the Field Station using our boats and other field equipment.
Research is also done within the facility. One wet lab has 16 insulated 200-gallon tanks that provide scientists with conditions suitable for fish rearing and diet studies. Another wet lab can handle smaller tanks for experiments on single specimens, culturing small organisms, or for experiments in behavioral traits. There is also general lab space for sample processing, chemical analysis, or microscopy. Other experiments have been run on the grounds, such as the stream microcosm study.
The Dick Smith Outdoor Classroom offers a seasonal space for lectures and other campus meetings. With floor-to-ceiling windows that allow a clear view of the Niagara River, the flexible classroom provides a new learning experience for students.
Research Vessels
John J. Freidhoff
The 27' John J. Freidhoff, named in memory of the late Captain John J. Freidhoff of the Great Lakes Center, is powerful enough to handle most conditions likely to be encountered on Lake Erie. Its cabin makes it the vessel of choice when scientists are using equipment that needs to be sheltered from waves and weather.
Privateer
The 28' Privateer is a powerful boat with a large open deck, making it perfect for larger groups of people, like classes, or for research activities requiring extra room for equipment.
Seiche
The Seiche is a 25’ vessel designed to lift and lower heavy equipment. It has been used extensively to deploy acoustic equipment on the riverbed for studies of sediment in the Buffalo River.
Electrofishing boat
Our electrofishing boat has a 20' hull and lighting so we can collect fish day and night. This boat is useful for field sampling or class demonstrations and work on the Niagara River and other local tributaries.
Small boats
The Great Lakes Center also operates a variety of smaller craft that are used to support research projects in the area’s smaller lakes and rivers. There are seven general purpose boats from 13 to 20 feet in length and two canoes for use in streams and ponds.
Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management
The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) was formed in 2014 to combat the spread of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species and mitigate associated threats by providing coordination for invasive species monitoring and management in the eight western-most counties of New York. Our mission is to proactively identify, evaluate and address invasive species priorities in Western New York using a coordinated partnership of local professionals, organizations, and community members to improve, restore, and protect aquatic and terrestrial resources. We host state and regional meetings, workshops, and extensive education and outreach. By fostering regional collaboration, we lessen the impact of invasive species, and preserve the natural resources and beauty of Western New York.
WNY PRISM identifies, maps, and develops management plans to control aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. The office hires seasonal crew members each summer to aid in its management and restoration efforts, in addition to employing a full-time Coordinator and Project Managers. Additional seasonal staff include Watercraft Inspection Stewards. The office coordinates management activities and public outreach efforts among a wide diversity of partners in the region, including NGOs, state and federal agencies, and academic institutions. WNY PRISM is a sponsored program through the Research Foundation at Buffalo State University and is hosted by the Great Lakes Center.
Please contact Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator for more information and to see how you may become involved. Follow the events and activities at the official WNY PRISM website.
Andrea Locke
Phone: 716-878-4708
Email: lockeas@buffalostate.edu