Everything but the Kitchen Sink.

When prompted to create a list of ten places at St. Joseph's University which I have never been before I was stumped besides one place: the rooftop of the Science Center.  I have always been advised that this is one of the top places to see before you graduate.  Therefore, when I heard we had to pick one and go see it I was all on board. I have always embrace the philosophy that unless you ask for something you won't receive it.

Upon entering the Science Center I went towards the elevator.  I heard a woman tapping away in her office so I popped my head in and got directed to the right office.  The head of the biology department was who worked with the green house.  Yet, I received the warning that its technically not open to the "public."  Since when are business students considered the public?  (I have always been baffled at the line drawn between the business and the arts and sciences) I was able to arrange an appointment for the next day to complete my adventure. Needless to say I was excited.

The time finally came and I was able to take the elevator all the way to the roof.  The biology teacher who took me up informed me of the construction that was taking place. Upon exiting the elevator I began walking on boards over towards the greenhouse.  The first thing I observed was the gorgeous Philadelphia skyline. Once inside the structure we learned about the turtle house.

In the turtle house are 5 different types of turtles -- even including albino turtles!  The professor then began to explain the filtration system for the ponds, which use sunlight and fresh water to create clean water.  The turtles are able to crawl from pond to pond which was very interesting!

Then we entered the greenhouse.  This glass structure is home to many different varieties of plants -- to be honest it reminded me a little of a jungle.  There wasn't much order for the positioning of plants, but the variety is amazing.  A palm tree, a lemon tree, cactus', ferns, even a coco plant.  The professor explained that the roof isn't open to the public because there is no railings along the side, yet they do hold a dinner on the roof once a year. My family is in the business of plants and shrubs -- Hopewell Nursery -- so I have grown up around different varieties.  The greenhouse resembles a smaller scale of the Holland Greenhouses we have on our farms.

Surprisingly, not all science students have access to the roof.  Most importantly students can only go up in small groups; therefore, an entire class can't benefit from a lecture from this location.  Uniquely, the greenhouse can maintain heat in the winter so that the plants won't die.  It absorbs water on one side and has a heater.  Who ever knew you could set the temperature in something like this?

Below is a slide show I put together using my mac's imovie.  It's a work in process, but it shows effectively my observations of the day.  Hope you enjoy!