UGA partners with Rowen on climate resilience

The University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering in partnership with the Rowen Foundation has launched a two-year Hydrometeorology and Land Cover Change Observational Study (HALOS) that will begin this summer. 

HALOS will generate critical baseline data to monitor how large-scale development impacts local weather, geography and watershed properties in real time. Research will be led by Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd of UGA’s Atmospheric Sciences and Geography department, alongside co-investigators from Franklin College, CAES, and UGA Engineering.

The study will deploy advanced technologies, such as satellite imagery, drones and real-time sensing instruments to monitor environmental indicators through December 2027. All equipment and technology have been provided by Weatherstem, an industry leader in scientific instrumentation.

The Rowen Foundation’s Living Lab Agreement with the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia allows Rowen to provide resources to support research and innovation on-site, advancing its mission to be a catalyst for education, research and transformation, establishing a unique destination for industry tenants to build, innovate and grow.

“Rowen is leading the way when it comes to developing a community where sustainability and environmental stewardship are core principles, integrated into site planning and future developments,” said Dr. Shepherd. “This study will provide valuable insights into how large-scale construction projects alter local ecosystems.”

The project aims to investigate the impacts of urban heat islands and assess the effects on air quality, flooding and water quality from early-stage construction through future growth at Rowen. The findings will inform urban planning and development strategies, guide sustainable growth and mitigate adverse environmental effects.

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