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.