Harvard Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harvard Forest |
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Detail of one of the dioramas at the Fisher Museum
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| Established | 1907 |
| Operator | Harvard University |
| Website | Harvard Forest |
Harvard Forest is a special outdoor area in Petersham, Massachusetts. It's a large forest, about 3,000 acres (12 km2) in size. Harvard University owns and manages this forest.
It has been a place for learning and research since 1907. Harvard Forest is home to one of North America's oldest managed forests. It also has places for education, research, a museum, and fun trails. You can visit Harvard Forest and explore it!
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Discovering Forest Research
Harvard University uses Harvard Forest to study forest biology. They also learn about how to protect nature, which is called conservation. Two big programs happen here.
Long-Term Ecosystem Studies
One program is the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program. The National Science Foundation helps pay for it. This program started in 1988. Scientists study the natural ecosystems of New England here. They want to understand how forests change over a long time.
Studying Climate Change
Another important program is about climate change. The United States Department of Energy funds this one. Scientists look at how physical and living things in the forest react to changes in climate. This helps us understand our planet better.
Learning in the Schoolyard
Harvard Forest also has a Schoolyard LTER program. This cool program lets students from kindergarten to 12th grade help! They collect and study environmental data. It's a great way for young people to do real science.
Exploring the Fisher Museum
The Fisher Museum is a fun place to visit at Harvard Forest. It's open on weekends. Inside, you can see exhibits about the latest research.
Dioramas: Forest Stories in 3D
The museum has twenty-three amazing model dioramas. These are like 3D scenes that show the history of forests. They also show how people have used and cared for New England woodlands. It's like stepping back in time! The museum also has a lecture hall with sixty seats.
Outdoor Adventures and Learning
Staff and students at Harvard Forest lead educational programs. They also offer guided tours about nature for all ages. You can also explore on your own. There are self-guided trails and many miles of paths.
You can enjoy activities like hiking, watching wildlife, and mountain biking. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing. Hunting is allowed during certain seasons. Please remember, camping, fires, and motorized vehicles are not allowed. There's also an observation tower on Prospect Hill.
The Fisher Museum and the main trail entrance are on Massachusetts Route 32. This is just north of Petersham center.
Protecting Our Natural Spaces
Harvard Forest is part of a larger protected area. This whole area is over 4,000 acres (16 km2) of open space. It includes land owned by The Trustees of Reservations. There's also state forest land and the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Rutland Brook Sanctuary. These places all work together to protect nature.
