Gregory+Niguidula+-+Describing+Places

Darrin Freshwater Institute campus The Darrin Freshwater Institute is a RPI-owned and operated research center. It is located in the town of Bolton Landing, NY and is situated on the Lake George waterfront. The main living area is a large cabin that was once the summer home of a wealthy family. The inside of the living area is exactly what one would expect of a rustic log cabin vacation home. The interior is made of wood and the sheets and wallpaper have woodland animals printed on them. The laboratory is in an adjacent building and is much more modern in appearance, with fluorescent lights, white walls and floors, and typical scientific equipment. There is also a conference room and an office. Both the lab and cabin look are at the top of a steep hill at the bottom of which lies the Lake George shoreline, boathouse, and docks. Lake George itself is a popular tourist destination. A road that runs along it (Lake Shore drive) is full of shops and motels. On summer days boating is very popular and quite a few shops and restaurants have docks to accommodate marine traffic. At the DFWI during the summer, a series of lectures is run. These are largely well attended, drawing in dozens of locals. By visiting, it is very easy to see how intense fears of invasive species can develop. The entire lake is quite beautiful which can lead to attachment and idealization. Also, as with many tourist areas, the population fall through spring is only a fraction of what it is during the summer. The locals have a strong community, which the DFWI has ingratiated itself into. Such tight-knit groups can become afraid of perceived threats from the outside.