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 place in Petersham, Massachusetts. It's a huge forest, about 4,000 acres (16 km2) big, owned and looked after by Harvard University. This forest has been used for studying nature since 1907, making it one of the oldest managed forests in North America. It has places for learning, research, a museum, and fun trails. Anyone can visit Harvard Forest!
Contents
Studying Nature at Harvard Forest
Harvard Forest is a very important place for scientists. They study forest biology, which is the science of living things in the forest. They also work on conservation, which means protecting nature.
Long-Term Research Programs
One big project is called the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program. It started in 1988 and helps scientists understand how New England's natural ecosystems work over many years. Another program looks at how physical and biological processes are connected to climate change.
Harvard Forest is also a main site for the National Ecological Observatory Network. This network helps scientists across the country collect important environmental data.
Learning for Everyone
Besides big research projects, Harvard Forest also has smaller programs. The Schoolyard LTER program lets students from kindergarten to high school help collect and study environmental data. This means kids can be real scientists!
The Fisher Museum: A Window into the Forest
The Fisher Museum is a cool place to visit at Harvard Forest. It's open on weekends. Inside, you can see exhibits about the latest research happening in the forest.
Amazing Dioramas
The museum also has twenty-three amazing model dioramas. These dioramas show the history of New England woodlands. They also teach about how we can protect and manage forests. It's like looking at tiny, detailed scenes from the past and present of the forest.
Learning and Exploring Outdoors
The staff and students at Harvard Forest lead educational programs. They also give guided tours to teach people about nature. You can learn so much about the plants and animals that live there.
There are also self-guided trails you can explore on your own. Many miles of paths are open for fun activities like hiking, watching wildlife, and mountain biking. In winter, you can even go cross-country skiing! If it's hunting season, some areas are open for hunting.
To keep the forest safe and clean, camping, fires, and motorized vehicles are not allowed. You can also find an observation tower on Prospect Hill, which offers great views of the forest.
Finding the Museum and Trails
The Fisher Museum and the main starting point for trails are located on Massachusetts Route 32. This is just north of the center of Petersham.
Protecting More Land
Harvard Forest is part of a larger area of protected land. This whole area is over 4,000 acres (16 km2) big! It includes other properties owned by groups like The Trustees of Reservations and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. This helps protect even more of New England's beautiful nature.
External Links
- Harvard Forest
- Harvard University
- Map of Harvard Forest's Prospect Hill Tract
- Map of Brooks Woodland Preserve
- Rutland Brook Sanctuary
