Accommodations

Note to Visitors:

Mountain Lake Biological Station is a scientific research facility. Visits are by appointment or invitation only. Please complete a visit request if you wish to visit or make reservations to stay at the Station.  If you have questions or if you plan to arrive in less than two business days, please call 540-626-7196 or 434-982-5486 or email mlbs@virginia.edu.  All arrivals must register at the Station Office, 102 Lewis Hall.

Dogs are not allowed on MLBS grounds at any time, and may not be left in vehicles.  
 

►Group, Meeting and Conference Use
 

Housing

Housing is available year-round, and a variety of modern and rustic dormitory, apartment, and private cottage accommodations is available to suit most personal and family needs. Many families live at the Station each year, and children are a welcome part of the community. All dormitories and cottages have electricity, private or shared baths, and basic furniture.  Some accommodations now have electric heat while others rely on fireplaces.  Residents are responsible for housekeeping during their stay.  Cooking is permitted only in cottages with kitchenettes. All station residents are required to join the meal plan while the dining hall is in operation - typically  from May until August.  
► Rates

Dining

During much of the summer season (ca. May-August) the full service dining hall serves three meals a day and is open for beverages and snacks 24/7.  When the dining hall is operating, all residents are required to join the board plan.  Special dietary requirements can almost always be met with advance notice.  
► Rates

Off-Site Accommodations

  • Mountain Lake Lodge The family oriented Mountain Lake Lodge is located just two miles from the Station on the shores of Mountain Lake itself.  Family and friends of MLBS residents often enjoy staying there.  Information and reservations 540-626-7121.

  • Blacksburg  The college town of Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech, is just a 30 minute drive from the Station and offers a wide range of accommodations and services.

Communications at the Station

Telephone  There are no telephones in cottages or dormitories.  Phone messages for residents can be left at 540-626-7196, the Station's main office. There is a public phone in Lewis Hall from which residents may make free local calls or use a calling card to make long distance calls.  Skype and iChat are popular forms of communication. 


► More, including emergency contact information

  • Cell Phones  There is no cell coverage at the Station.
  • Fax Service  Residents can send and receive faxes at 540-626-5229.
  • Laboratory Phone Service  Researchers and faculty may request telephone service to Lewis Hall labs or offices.  Service is provided at cost.  Contact the Station to make arrangements.
  • U.S. Mail and Shipping Services  U.S. Mail, UPS, FedEx, Airborne Express, and DHL all deliver to MLBS.  Summer and other long-term residents may have mail forwarded to the Station.  Please use "Temporary" rather than "Permanent" mail forwarding. 

     

Postal and shipping address:  
Your Name
c/o Mountain Lake Biological Station
240 Salt Pond Circle
Pembroke, VA 24136-3092

 

  • Email Messages to mlbs@virginia.edu can be delivered to residents.

  • Internet Access  Wired or wireless access to the Internet is available throughout the Station, and a full-service computer lab is open to all residents 24/7.  Server and printer resources are available to all Station users.  Download eservices login script.

CLICK HERE to see real time map of our wireless network!


Laundry

Coin-operated washers and dryers, as well as laundry lines, are available. Residents must provide their own laundry soap.

Climate

In spite of the Station's southern location, summers are pleasant and even cool.  In June and July days average in the 70s F.  Nighttime temperatures range from 40 - 60 degrees F.  June can be wet and cold, and July is usually warmer and dryer.  By mid August temperatures begin dropping.  It can snow in September and May.  Snow in April is common.  Unexpected, and often severe thunder storms are common in the summer.  Come prepared for beautiful hot summer days, torrential downpours, cold dripping fogs, and cold, crisp nights.  Reliable rain gear, waterproof boots, and layers will be your best strategy.

Recreation

Recreational activities at the Station include campfires, square dancing, seminars and slide shows, movies, volleyball, basketball, a team triathlon, swimming, caving, rock climbing, hiking, and canoeing on the New River.  Blacksburg, a small university town (home of Virginia Tech) is 30 minutes away.  Local attractions and resources can be found on Giles County's web site. 

Health and Safety

MLBS is a safe place to live and work, but it is also a remote outpost surrounded on all sides by miles of hard-to-navigate terrain.  The greatest risk to your health and safety at Mountain Lake is getting lost.  Even a few hours cold and wet and lost in the woods can be dangerous.  Other hazards common to any backcountry situation apply.  First aid kits are available, and staff are prepared to assist with emergencies and advise you on how to stay safe--and found.

The station is 30-45 minutes away from the nearest hospital or doctor's office, and the 911 response time is 20-30 minutes. Montgomery Regional Hospital is located in Christiansburg off Rt. 460 about 20 miles from the Station.  Carilion Giles Community Hospital is smaller but slightly closer, and is located in Pearisburg off Rt. 460.

The staff at MLBS are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all residents.  Please notify station staff if you have any concerns about your own physical or mental health and safety, or that of others.  Any and all concerns will be received with respect, compassion, and confidentiality.  

Information on a variety of local medical services can also be found in the MLBS Handbook. 

In an Emergency

In any emergency where life or property is at risk:

  1. Dial 911.  MLBS is at 240 Salt Pond Circle, Pembroke, Virginia.
  2. Notify MLBS staff immediately, day or night.
  3. Ring the dining hall bell loudly and continuously when staff or residents need to be summoned quickly.
  4. Be familiar with these two documents:

Some Rules

MLBS is a unit of the University of Virginia and those using the Station in any way are subject to the rules, regulations and customs of the University, including alcohol and drug policies and academic Honor Code. In order to protect the interests of the community, the Station administration reserves the right to dismiss any person behaving in an inappropriate manner or whose actions it is judged pose a danger to him/herself or others. Basic Station rules and procedures are given in the MLBS Handbook and it is the responsibility of all users to read and follow them. 

Pets

No pets of any kind are permitted on the Station without the explicit and advance permission of the Director.  No pets may be left in vehicles.

 

Notification of Risks and User Liability Waiver

Certain known and unknown risks are associated with the use of field stations. UVA's Office of Risk Management requires us to post notification of certain risks and liability statements.