Temple University cherry "T" logo

Temple Ambler Field Station

Search Keywords

Sites and Facilities

Sites

An aerial, overhead view shows the Temple Ambler campus from above, with buildings and open green areas spread across the landscape. In the lower area of the image is the Temple Forest Observatory, where many trees are lying on the ground as a result of the 2021 tornado.

The Temple Ambler Field Station overlays the 187-acre (75.6-hectare) Ambler Arboretum of Temple University and Temple Ambler Campus. The Field Station is home to several natural areas, including six forest sites, five meadows, two ponds and two ephemeral streams and their floodplains.  These natural areas serve as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for researchers and students at the Field Station. More details on these environments are available on our Natural Areas and Biodiversity web pages.

 

Research Facilities 

The image shows the Field Station Research Array, a large outdoor research area enclosed by a tall black mesh fence. Inside the fenced space is a grassy field with rows of evenly spaced wooden rectangular planter frames. To the right of these frames are large solar panels with plants underneath for an agrovoltaics experiment. Toward the back of the area are tall frames containing trees covered with protective netting, creating controlled research environments for a Spotted Lanternfly study.

Research Array

The Field Station Research Array is a 20,000 square foot (1,850 square meter) outdoor space at the heart of the Field Station. This space serves as a shared space for experimentation at scales greater than can be conducted in a research laboratory. It allows for researcher control of key variables within a semi-natural setting. Research currently underway in the Research Array includes ecological mesocosm studies (simplified, replicated ecosystems), a demonstration project in renewable energy, agricultural and horticultural studies, and studies of plant propagation and prairie restoration. 

Research Laboratories

The Field Station includes four equipped laboratory spaces for research and training. A variety of specialized laboratory and field equipment is available for shared use.  Researchers, students and instructors, please contact the Field Station in advance to request bench space or to determine if we have equipment or materials available to support your project.

Field Station Computer Lab

The Field Station has a computer lab and conferencing space outfitted with several workstations, a conference table, audiovisual equipment and a smart screen to support research at the Field Station. 

The image shows multiple propagation trays placed on top of a table inside the Temple Ambler Greenhouse. The trays contain soil with newly planted seeds, but no visible plant growth yet. Surrounding the table are many different plants grown in the greenhouse.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture Greenhouse Education and Research Complex

Other facilities at Temple Ambler that may be available for research or instruction via collaboration with the Tyler School of Art and Architecture Greenhouse Education and Research Complex, which includes a 3,700-square-foot (345 square meter) climate-controlled greenhouse, 1,500-square-foot (140 square meter) shade house, 1,500-square-foot (140 square meter) hoop house, and a one acre (0.4 hectare) fenced research garden.  

The image shows several people seated on a stage in the Temple Ambler auditorium, participating in a panel discussion about multi-use energy landscapes. The panelists appear to be engaged in conversation, with the audience not visible in the image.

Instructional and Conference Spaces

A suite of smart classrooms, larger computer labs, conference spaces and a 300-seat auditorium are available for instruction and collaboration. These support a variety of events, programs and the in-class portions of field courses.

Two people sit at computer desks in the Temple Ambler library. They appear to be engaged in a conversation while working, with other library furniture visible around them.

Information Commons — Ambler Campus Library and Information Technology Services

The Information Commons is home to the Ambler Campus Library and the Help Desk for Information Technology Services. The Information Commons includes a broad and distinctive collection of field guides, books, journals and other resources, with a special emphasis on local ecology and natural history. The Information Commons also provides a suite of computer workstations and a dynamic space on campus for learning, study and collaboration.

A man selecting a drink from the vending machines in the Ambler Campus Cafe.

Food Service

The Ambler Campus Café consists of "Smart Coolers," that provide self-service and self-checkout at times most convenient for students, faculty and staff. Food options include fresh and pre-packaged foods including sandwiches, wraps, yogurt snack items and beverages. The Café is located in the Learning Center Lobby.

Five bikers stand together with their bicycles and gear, posing for a photo during the annual Temple Ambler Bike Tour.

Recreation, Outdoor Education and Wellness at Temple Ambler

Temple University Ambler offers a varied array of outdoor experiential education, recreational and wellness programming to unwind, build community and improve physical and mental health.

Recreational facilities are available for use, including indoor and outdoor basketball courts, gym, tennis courts, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, weight room and playing fields for baseball, softball and soccer. An outdoor pool is available for seasonal use.