Project Title: Community-Engaged Ecosystem Research and Virtual Reality Tour Development at Payne Hollow on the Ohio
Partner: Payne Hollow on the Ohio
Research Focus: Developing a Virtual Reality Tour of the Historical, Artistic, and Ecological Landscape of Payne Hollow and the Hubbard Legacy
This project aims to develop an immersive, educational virtual reality (VR) tour of Payne Hollow, integrating its unique historical, artistic, and ecological heritage. By leveraging the expertise of the Aqlan Lab, two dedicated research teams will collaborate under the NSF-funded Community-Engaged Ecosystem Research Grant. The VR tour will serve as an accessible, interactive educational tool, available both onsite at Payne Hollow and remotely, offering users an in-depth exploration of the land’s flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history.
Project Components and Focus Areas
1. Ecological
o Using the comprehensive survey of Payne Hollow’s and Hollowpanyo’s ecosystems capture the plant, animal, and insect species, as well as a geological and geographical overview.
o The ecological data will form the foundation of the VR experience, emphasizing Payne Hollow’s rich biodiversity and conservation value.
2. Historical and Artistic Legacy
o The research will contextualize Payne Hollow’s natural environment within the creative and sustainable lifestyle of its former inhabitants, Anna and Harlan Hubbard.
o Key features of the site, including the Hubbard’s home, art studio, and the remnants of former settlers, will be documented to illustrate the historical uses and transformations of the land.
3. Regional and Cultural Connections
o The VR experience will also explore Payne Hollow’s cultural links to the Ohio River and regional communities, such as Trimble County, through its riparian ecosystem and the literary legacy of the Hubbards.
o Collaborative data collection on local forest health and ecological management practices will be conducted with nearby landowners, enhancing the VR tour’s narrative of regional ecological stewardship.
4. Technological Integration and GIS Story Mapping
o An accompanying GIS-based story map will enrich the VR tour, linking ecological, historical, and cultural insights to specific locations.
o The use of advanced technologies like augmented reality, simulation, and artificial intelligence will be explored to deepen the interactive experience and broaden its educational impact.
Two Research Teams:
Team 1: Field Research and Data Collection
Responsible for onsite data collection using 360-degree cameras, video equipment, and drones, Team 1 will capture detailed visuals and audio, including recitations of Hubbard’s writings and interviews discussing the site’s ecological and historical significance.
Team 2: Technical Development and VR Creation
This team will process the collected data to build an immersive VR tour, integrating high-quality visuals with an ArcGIS story map that narrates the historical, ecological, and artistic dimensions of Payne Hollow.
Logistics and Support
Payne Hollow, located at 125 Hubbards Lane in Milton, KY (approximately one hour from the University of Louisville), is the research site.
Payne Hollow on the Ohio will supply essential equipment, including two 360-degree cameras, tripods, and drones,
Researchers will have the option of camping or lodging onsite.
Community and Institutional Support
Payne Hollow on the Ohio’s Board and Advisory Committee
o The 22-member committee includes experts in historical preservation, ecology, and curation, offering oversight and resources for the project.
o The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission will assist with the plant survey and coordinate further biological inventories with other research scientists.
o Community members will be recruited for interviews, currently the Trimble county library is collecting video testimonials adding depth to the VR’s ecological content.
o University and Community Partners and their Hubbard Collection.
Educational and Community Impact: The completed VR tour will be shared with local institutions, including Trimble County Schools, the public library, and the UK Extension Office. It will serve as an educational resource to foster community engagement and ecological awareness, showcasing Payne Hollow’s historical, artistic, and environmental significance.
For additional information, contact: Dr. David Wicks
Chair, Payne Hollow on the Ohio Board
Email: david.wicks@louisville.edu or dwicks1@gmail.com