FRONT ROYAL, Va. (AP) - The National Zoo is breaking ground on an expansion of its Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia to house George Mason University students on site to work with scientists.

Continue reading

A pact between the Smithsonian and George Mason signed in 2008 is paving the way for new residence halls, classrooms and laboratories at the 3,000-acre site in Front Royal. The groundbreaking is planned for Wednesday afternoon.

The school and the Smithsonian have created a joint conservation studies program for undergraduate students. The semester-long program pairs the students with scientists to study the work of trying to save endangered species and conserve biodiversity.

Students have had a hand in the births of endangered animals, including clouded leopard cubs last year.

Graduate and professional courses are being offered at the site as well.