One Week at Waterman

One Week at Waterman
A photo journey of research, collaboration, and activities on our 261-acre living laboratory throughout the year
Bird's eye view of the MALC and Dairy with the Columbus city skyline in the background

Fall 2025

Leaves fall and buildings rise as growing season comes to an end at Waterman Lab. From tiny beetles to massive high-tech tractors, the range of activities continue to amaze. Researchers test smarter ways to manage pests and cultivate lawns. As gardens fade, operations staff turn crops into cash to fund the next year of projects and activities. And students celebrate a season of transition with fall festivities. It’s time for innovation, community and curiosity. Find out what’s new at Waterman

Man climbing into a tractor with dried corn on the left

Summer 2025

It's been a year of discovery, learning, construction and change at Waterman Lab since our first One Week at Waterman. We're back with another year of teaching, research, and outreach at our unique facility. A new group of Buckeye's have a chance to grow their knowledge and learn in new spaces. This summer, we welcomed campers to "space," international partners with an eye for sustainability, and families ready to get their hands dirty in the garden. Our research plots are heating up and the new Dairy takes shape along Lane Ave. Jump in to see more. 

A man opens a growth chamber to show kids plants growing in controlled conditions

Spring 2025

Spring has sprung, along with construction progress at the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex. Waterman is changing and growing, much like the trees and crops planted in research plots. Buildings take shape with steel, siding, and roofing. Learners of all ages enjoyed We Grow Scientists. And researchers continue to tackle real world problems like bacterial leaf spot on tomatoes. It’s the season of growth and renewal. View the latest.

A man in white PPE with a sprayer and a tank of water, testing the spray mechanism

Winter 2025

We’re in the thick of cold weather and outdoor activities are limited at Waterman. There’s plenty of action inside buildings like the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex. Preparations are underway for a new leafy greens event. One class takes advantage of a dry winter day. And the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building bustles with activity. See the action

A woman bends over to plant a leafy green starter on a floating substrate

Fall 2024

Our next season installment covers a range of activities unique to our amazing Waterman facility. Learn about classes utilizing streams and gardens to train our next generation of engineers and agriculturalists. Faculty hosted tours to build valuable relationships and share industry specific knowledge. See the changes specific to this season, construction updates on our new Multispecies Animal Learning Complex, and exciting research that could help save bees. Check it out. 

woman under a tent working on a stake with a feeder.

Summer 2024

In the first installment of our year-long series, we've captured a wide range of educational, research, and learning activities over one week in August at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory. Unlike any laboratory you've ever seen, this one is bustling with plants, people, animals, and innovation. From students to researchers, community groups to industry pros, there really is something for everyone. Take a look.

woman in a bandana putting a corn tassel into a paper bag to manually pollinate it