Providing Support in Our Own Backyard

The Harvard Forest is home to science and education programs that benefit the region and the world, but we also recognize our role as part of a rural community in Central Massachusetts. Recent contributions to local enterprise include:

• A $5,000 donation to the East Quabbin Land Trust for their efforts to renovate and reopen the Petersham Country Store, as well as a large donation of oak timber for flooring (pictured at left, photo by Nancy Allen).
• A $2,500 donation toward renovations of the Athol Public Library, which reopened in December 2013 with many new features, including quiet study rooms, one co-sponsored with funds from the Forest (pictured at right; photo by Brian Hall).
• Full sponsorship of the Petersham Police Department's D.A.R.E. program, which brings an officer to the Petersham Center School for 10 workshops a year on drug awareness and bullying prevention.
• Year-round field trips and workshops for teachers and students from local K-12 schools (explore map of participating schools at left).

Learn more about the Harvard Forest's contributions to local communities.