Research Facilities and Resources
The Harvard Forest provides a complete base for research in forest, ecosystem and historical ecology and biosphere-atmosphere interactions.
Laboratories
David Orwig, Forest Ecologist (orwig@fas.harvard.edu)
Lab facilities are available for research in:
- Paleoecology
- Dendrochronology
- Morphology and plant physiology
- Plant Physiology, Soils and Biogeochemical Laboratories are equipped with:
- Gas chromatograph
- Lachat autoanalyzer
- CHN analyzer (Fison)
- Fume hood
- Nano pure water
- Balances
- Drying ovens
- Note: We do not have dry ice available on site, but many researchers have procured dry and compressed gases though NE Airgas
- Cold storage facilities
- A complete herbarium of the local flora
Policies: User Fee Schedule, Forest Laboratory Policy
Greenhouses
Aaron Ellison, Community Ecologist (aellison@fas.harvard.edu)
Field Sites
Audrey Barker Plotkin, LTER Coordinator (aabarker@fas.harvard.edu)
The 3000 acres of forest that comprise Harvard Forest's land base offers many opportunities for field studies. Site Description and Maps.
Safety: Basic Field Safety Information
Policies: Harvard Forest Field Research Policy
Research Towers
Environmental Measurement Station Eddy Flux Tower (EMS)
Steve Wofsy, Professor, HU Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, (scw@io.harvard.edu)
Begun in 1990, atmospheric measurements are taken from a 30m eddy flux tower. Primary electrical cable and telephone line extend to the site, 1.7 km into the forest from the headquarters building. Carbon dioxide and many other atmospheric trace gases (e.g. methane and other hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and ozone) are measured at this site: see http://www.as.harvard.edu/chemistry/hf/ for more information.
Little Prospect Hill Eddy Flux Tower
Julian Hadley, Ecophysiologist (jhadley@fas.harvard.edu)
This second eddy flux tower installed in 2001 in a younger forest type, approximately 1.2 km from the EMS. Carbon dioxide exchange measurements at the site began in May 2002.
EMS Annex Walk-Up Tower
Edythe Ellin, Director of Administration (ellin@fas.harvard.edu)
This canopy level walk up tower is 130m SW of the EMS.
Dimensions: 78' h x 3' wide x 5' long (12 stages of 6.5' each)
Policy: Walk Up Tower Safety Protocol
Hemlock Walk-Up Tower
Edythe Ellin, Director of Administration (ellin@fas.harvard.edu)
This canopy level walk up tower is in a mature hemlock forest approximately 0.5 km from the EMS. Carbon exchange data from November 2000 through October 2001 are available for this site.
Dimensions: 71.5' h x 3' wide x 5' long (11 stages of 6.5' each)
Policy: Walk Up Tower Safety Protocol
Meteorological Station
Emery Boose, Information Manager (boose@fas.harvard.edu)
The Fisher Meteorological Station is located about 200 m north of Shaler Hall. 15-minute and daily values are posted on the HF web page in near-real time
Hydrological Stations
Emery Boose, Information Manager (boose@fas.harvard.edu)
Permanent hydrological stations are being installed on two small headwater streams, Nelson Brook and Bigelow Brook, on the Prospect Hill Tract.
Document Archives
Elaine Doughty, Archivist (hflib@fas..harvard.edu)
- Nearly a century's data, including paper files (maps, photos, data sheets, field notes, papers) documenting the history of the land and all management and research
- Air photo interpretation and map transfer systems
Policies: Document Management Policy
Sample Archives
Elaine Doughty, Archivist (hflib@fas..harvard.edu)
Repository for soils, tree cores, leaf litter, and other specimens collected during field research. Limited access; anyone interested must speak with the Archivist and related staff prior to using the collection.
Policies: Sample Management Policy
Library
Elaine Doughty, Archivist (hflib@fas.harvard.edu)
The Harvard Forest Library is a diverse collection of current and historical journals and books related to the study of forestry, ecology, and related fields.
Facilities Operations and Equipment
Facilities Manager (hffacil@fas.harvard.edu)
The Facilities Manager and 5 skilled staff are available for research planning and implementation. The facilities crew is equipped to handle experimental manipulations, forestry operations, construction, and maintenance of research projects.
Available equipment includes:
-
Mobile canopy lift
capable of reaching 70-foot canopy.
There are significant training and reservation requirements prior to becoming an authorized user so early contact with the Facilities Manager (hffacil@fas.harvard.edu) is essential. - Heavy equipment:
- Tractor with bucket loader, brush hog, small back hoe attachment
- Dump trucks including a 2-ton flat bed, Ford F-550 steel dump body, Forest F-350 stake body
- Timberjack Skidder
- Welding trailer
- Vehicle fleet: small pick-ups trucks, SUVs, sedans and 12 passenger van
- Woodworking shop and broad range of small tools (powered and hand tools)
Policies: User Fee Schedule, Vehicle Policy, Equipment Policy
Meeting Space
Edythe Ellin, Director of Administration (hfvisit@fas.harvard.edu)
The Forest welcomes ecology researchers and related meetings to use our modern facilities that include:
- Seminar room with seating for up to 30 people
- Gould Audio Visual Center and lecture hall with seating for up to one hundred people
- Both meeting spaces include Powerpoint presentation facilities as well as slide, video and overhead projectors capabilities
- Commercial kitchen and dining area for up to 40 people
See the User Fee Schedule for costs related to these resources.
Housing and Accommodations
Laurie Chiasson, Administrative Assistant (hfvisit@fas.harvard.edu)
Limited short and long-term housing is available for visiting researchers and staff.
Policies: User Fee Schedule