Dear Aldridge Foundation,

A Big THANKYOU to the Aldridge Foundation from me and all the student groups, community groups, researchers, scout groups, the Sierra Club, the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, the Oklahoma Academy of Science and others who have enjoyed the Selman Living Laboratory.

Yes, they are all appreciative of what the Aldridge Foundation has done to help keep the SLL moving along. Thank you from all of us!

Here is a brief update report for you. Currently on site at the SLL is a doublewide trailer (with washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, etc.). This came about from a National Science Foundation award to Dr. Caire. After the doublewide was in place, we brought in a water line from the rural water service, built a large septic system, and just recently, we added a telephone line with a high-speed internet hookup.

Just before the doublewide was purchased, we had in place two bunkhouses (each can sleep about 18 people), a classroom building, two astronomy domes, and two small outbuildings. It is beginning to look like a real outdoor living laboratory.

Research activities continue at the SLL. Dr. Caddell from UCO and her graduate student Robin Buckaleu recently published a paper in the Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science documenting 230 species of plants at the SLL. Dr. Mather from the University of Science and Arts is studying Tiger beetles. Investigations of the genetics of bat flies are being conducted by Dr. Wilson at UCO and several undergraduate students. One of his students, Kendra Byrd, placed second at the Annual Beta Beta Beta Biological Society poster competition. I recently received a grant from Florida Power and Light to begin construction of a bat friendly gate in one of the SLL caves to help protect bats during the hibernation season. Last week I made a presentation to the Oklahoma Academy of Environmental Education (mostly K-12 teachers) about the opportunities at the Selman Living Laboratory.

Steve Maier from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Chad Ellington from Rose State University have both been active in offering astronomy shows. President Beran of Northwestern Oklahoma State University has also offered to help at the SLL. He has indicated that they will purchase three small refrigerators for the classroom and bunkhouse buildings. They will also install ceramic tile on the floors of the buildings. He also will make sure that we have a nice fire pit for hot dog and marshmallow roasts. One of UCO's sororities held a planning retreat at the SLL and donated two new microwaves.

The Biology Club (Tri-Beta) held a service day at the SLL. They hung blackout shades over all the windows in the trailer, placed concrete under the stairs into the trailer and erected five flag poles at the entrance.

Near the end of the day, they rode over Mrs. Selman's Ranch with her ranch hand, Jay Rankin, and collected rocks for a rock garden near the flagpoles. They hope to have another service day this coming April and gather more rocks for the garden and complete it.

You might have heard that a rare October tornado struck the SLL. It picked up one of the bunkhouses and dropped it into the classroom (we think all the telescopes survived). UCO's administration has jumped in and they are in the process of seeing that the repairs will be made.

The doublewide will be re-shingled with a better storm- resistant shingle and a more substantial skirting will be installed. The bunkhouse will be repaired as well as the classroom. However, the extent of damage to the classroom was such that after its repair, it will be converted into a storage building and a new classroom will be purchased.

All electrical repairs will be made by the UCO Physical Plant. The Architectural and Engineering department of UCO is drafting a footprint of a classroom building that will also serve as a tornado and severe storm room. It will probably be constructed of concrete. I will use their conceptual design in several grant proposals to raise the funds to construct the building.

Well, I trust you see that there has been some activity at the SLL since I last wrote. I am glad it continues to move along and I am very thankful for all the support and encouragement that the Aldridge Foundation has given. I am also thankful that the Aldridge Foundation has permitted me the opportunity to submit the proposal for ten futon chairs/beds for the SLL. They will provide both seating during the day and beds at night.

You are all welcomed to come see the SLL. Pick a clear night have enjoy the wonders of the night sky.
Thanks Again,
Bill Caire