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The Atlantic Research Center (ARC) provides comprehensive and state-of-the-art facilities that offer scholars, scientists, and educators the resources needed to conduct research within the Cape Cod National Seashore (CACO). ARC laboratory and field support facilities are co-located with NPS scientists at the North Atlantic Coastal Laboratory in North Truro, Massachusetts. The ARC offers a variety of services and support to facilitate research including:

• laboratory and desk space
• field equipment
• analytical facilities
• housing
• GIS and ecosystem monitoring data
• collaboration with CACO scientists
• the Charles S. Davidson Memorial Library
• opportunities for science communication to the general public

Analytical Facilities
The recently renovated ARC laboratory is equipped with an array of sophisticated analytical equipment. Researchers have access to instruments capable of performing a number of analyses relevant to the geological, hydrological, and biological sciences. The ARC laboratory is located at the Highlands Center, and a stones throw from the North Atlantic Coastal Laboratory. Below is a partial list of analytical equipment available at the ARC for researchers to utilize:

• QuikChem Flow Injection Analysis – 8000 Series, Eluent Pump (Lachet Instruments), XYZ AutoSampler (Lachet Instruments);
• SmartChem Discrete Analyzer (Westco Scientific Instruments);
• Jenway 6305 spectrophotometer;
• Denver Instrument Model 250 pH/conductivity meter;
• Metrohm 775 Dosimat (Auto-titrator);
• Tutthauer Brinkmann 2540E Autoclave;
• Turner Designs trilogy fluorometer;
• Mettler Toledo MX5 (micro-balance)
• CE Elantech EA Flash-1112 Elemental Analyzer
• Fume hoods, freezers, refrigerators, distiller. 

Researcher Housing
Researcher housing is available at several locations throughout Cape Cod National Seashore. A total of four houses, once destination homes, comprise the researcher housing at CACO.  All houses contain full-bathrooms, full-kitchens, and spacious sleeping quarters. Several of these houses offer outstanding panoramas of familiar Cape Cod landscapes. Availability of housing is subject to the discretion of CACO coordinators.

ARC Multipurpose Room
This recently renovated, spacious, facility is equipped with all the necessary materials for meetings or lectures. New furniture, office and storage space, and a modest kitchen facility highlight this space. Audio and video equipment is available upon request. The classroom offers a comfortable, clean, and modern setting for scientific exchange and public address within steps of the Atlantic Ocean. The multipurpose room can accommodate up to 50 people at one time. The multipurpose room is located on the grounds of the Highland Center in North Truro, Massachusetts.

Charles S. Davidson Memorial Library
Located at the North Atlantic Coastal Laboratory, the Charles S. Davidson Memorial Library offers researchers a fantastic space for which to read, write or present scientific findings. The quiet space offers access to a voluminous collection of scientific journals and publications all of which can be searched via an electronic catalog. Audio video equipment is available upon request. PC and kitchen facilities are available to researchers as well.

North Atlantic Coastal Laboratory
The facilities and the expertise found at the North Atlantic Coastal Laboratory (NACL) have proven indispensable to past researchers.  The "biolab," as it is commonly referred to, serves as a resource to outside researchers in many different respects. Office space, computer access, laboratory space, and equipment are just a few ways in which the NACL can assist in forwarding research taking place within CACO. An experienced and knowledgeable team of resource scientists is the true strength of the lab. Insight and strong relationships are critical to any scientific endeavor. The staff at the NACL is available to provide critical technical and logistical insight to research taking place at CACO.    

For more information about analytical laboratory facilities at the ARC please contact:

Krista Lee
Chemist / Lab Manager
508-487-3262 x 110
508-487-7153 fax

e-mail us   

For more information or questions pertaining to the Atlantic Research Center at CACO please contact:

Megan Tyrrell, Ph.D.
CACO Research & Monitoring Coordinator
508-487-3262 x 105
508-487-7153 fax

e-mail us