Description
Massachusetts has approximately 3 million acres of forest land, covering 60% of the Commonwealth. At the same time, it ranks 4th among the states in population density with 897.5 residents per square mile. Our forests protect water and air quality, provide animal habitat and recreational opportunities, and store carbon. These are ecosystem services that benefit us all.
We will learn about the bedrock, soils, and climate that support a variety of forest types in Massachusetts, and the land use and disturbance histories that shape the forests we see today. We will discuss current threats to our forests, including development, forest pests, and climate change, as well as ongoing efforts to conserve and protect these essential environments.
After a short lunch break we will take a walk to observe the forests of Arcadia as well as look for clues of past disturbances and discuss potential future forest changes.
When
- Sun, Nov 02, 2025 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Who
Adults
Cost
- Adult Members $20
- Adult Nonmembers $25
Where
Location: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton
-
Questions? Contact us:
- 413-584-3009 [email protected]
Instructors
-
Avril de la Crétaz - Ph.D. Forest Ecology, UMass-Amherst
Instructions
Meet at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. The first half of this program will be indoors. Dress to be outside, walking about 2-3 miles on mostly flat terrain for the afternoon. Bring a water bottle and a bag lunch.