Yale-Myers Forest

Yale-Myers_Forest_Signs_and_northern_entrance_to_Nipmuck_Trail_on_Bigelow_Hollow_Road_AKA_CT_Route_197_near_Bigelow_Hollow_State_Park

Yale-Myers Forest is a 7,840-acre (31.7 km²) research and teaching forest located in Northeastern Connecticut, managed by the Yale School of the Environment. The forest is situated in the towns of Union, Ashford, Eastford, and Woodstock. It is one of the largest tracts of forestland in the state of Connecticut and serves as a significant resource for ecological research, education, and sustainable forestry practices.

History

The forest was acquired by Yale University in 1930 through a donation from George Hewitt Myers, a Yale alumnus and founder of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, now known as the Yale School of the Environment. The forest has since been used for a variety of educational and research purposes, including studies in silviculture, wildlife management, and forest ecology.

Research and Education

Yale-Myers Forest is a living laboratory for students and researchers from the Yale School of the Environment and other institutions. The forest provides opportunities for hands-on learning in areas such as forest management, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Research conducted in the forest contributes to the understanding of forest dynamics, climate change, and sustainable forestry practices.

Ecology

The forest is characterized by a diverse array of habitats, including hardwood and coniferous forests, wetlands, and streams. It supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it an important site for biodiversity conservation. Common tree species found in the forest include oak, maple, pine, and hemlock. The forest is also home to numerous wildlife species, such as white-tailed deer, black bear, and various bird species.

Management

The management of Yale-Myers Forest is guided by principles of sustainable forestry and ecosystem management. The forest is used to demonstrate and teach best practices in forest management, including timber harvesting, habitat restoration, and invasive species control. The forest is also a site for long-term ecological research, with numerous ongoing studies examining the impacts of climate change, forest succession, and disturbance regimes.

Recreation

While the primary purpose of Yale-Myers Forest is research and education, it is also open to the public for recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature study. The forest features a network of trails and roads that provide access to its diverse landscapes and natural features.

See Also

• Yale School of the Environment
• Sustainable forestry
• Forest ecology
• Silviculture
• Biodiversity