Taconic and Berkshire Region
Western Massachusetts is generally higher, less developed and geologically distinct relative to the rest of the state. As a result it is the center of important biodiversity and considerable conservation interest. To explore some of this region's interesting diversity and to test broad results emerging from other regions, such as the Connecticut Valley, North Quabbin region, and Coastal landscape we have initiated a number of studies in the uplands of the Berkshires and Taconics. Like other Harvard Forest research these studies include field sampling, a variety of approaches to vegetation reconstruction, and considerable historical study.
Selected Publications
Motzkin, G., D. A. Orwig, and D. R. Foster. 2002. Vegetation and disturbance history of a rare dwarf pitch pine community in western New England, USA. Journal of Biogeography 29: 1455-1467
Motzkin, G., D. Orwig, and D. R. Foster. 2002. Historical development and vegetation dynamics of the ridgetop pitch pine community on Mt. Everett, Massachusetts. Harvard Forest Paper No. 25
Bellemare, J. M. G. and D. Foster. 2002. Legacies of the agricultural past in the forested present: an assessment of historical land-use effects on rich mesic forests. Journal of Biogeography 29: 1401-1420
Bellemare, J. 2002. Environmental and historical controls on the distribution and variation of rich mesic forests in western Massachusetts. MFS Thesis, Harvard University
Motzkin, G. 1995. Inventory of uncommon plant communities of western Massachusetts: 1993-1994. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Boston 40 + appendices (Report submitted to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program)
Motzkin, G. 1994. Calcareous fens of western New England and adjacent New York State. Rhodora 96: 44-68