Empowering Students with Virtual Reality: Discover Innovative Climate Change Solutions at Point Lookout State Park

Students Use Virtual Reality to Illustrate Climate Change Solutions at Point Lookout State Park

Imagine walking through a beautiful park. You see lush trees, a winding road, and a sparkling coastline under a clear blue sky. Suddenly, you hear a bell toll. Each sound marks ten years passing, and you watch as water slowly creeps up the grass and eventually swallows the pathway beneath your feet.

This unique experience is part of a project by landscape architecture students from the University of Maryland. They are using virtual reality (VR) to show the impacts of climate change, specifically at Point Lookout State Park, and explore ways to adapt to these changes.

Nico Drummond, a senior in landscape architecture, shared how powerful it is to witness this transformation in VR. “The shift from bird sounds to waves really drives home the reality of climate change,” he noted.

The initiative began when the Maryland Department of Natural Resources approached the university’s Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability program. They wanted creative ways to visualize climate change effects in the state. Chris Ellis, a professor in landscape architecture, emphasized the urgency of this work. Located at the junction of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout is vulnerable to rising sea levels—predictions suggest an increase of 1.5 to 2.5 feet in the next 25 to 50 years.

Students divided into groups to analyze different sections of the park and forecast potential changes. “Initially, we identified problems, but soon shifted to exploring opportunities that change could bring,” Ellis explained.

Their designs focused on protecting the park while incorporating recreational options. Ideas included raised walkways, kayak trails, and living shorelines. Each feature offers functionality and education, such as panels detailing how helical piers work to support rising waters.

Ranger Jonas Williams from the Maryland Park Service praised the project. “This VR visioning showcases how the park might evolve, helping visitors understand climate risks,” he said. Williams emphasized the importance of such partnerships for future planning at not just Point Lookout but also other at-risk parks.

The virtual reality experiences will be available online on Meta Quest TV, providing wider access to the project. Throughout the semester, students visited Point Lookout, gaining firsthand experience that informed their designs. Eashana Subramanian, a student who grew up visiting the park, found it meaningful to contribute to its future.

The concept of using VR for environmental education aligns with recent trends. According to a 2023 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), many educational institutions are adopting VR to enhance engagement with critical issues like climate change. This approach not only captures attention but also fosters deeper understanding—something experts in environmental education have long advocated.

By using tools like VR, students at the University of Maryland are not just illustrating potential futures; they’re inspiring action and innovation in the fight against climate change.

— Joe Zimmermann, science writer for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Source link