Forest Processes

From underground mycorrhizal networks to ultrasonic sound emissions and chemical signaling through the air. The plants and trees of the forest have a language and ability to communicate that science is only beginning to understand.

In this episode of Outside Science (inside parks), join the team at Denali National Park and Preserve as they brave the rain to monitor voles to get a snapshot of forest health.

Learn more about limber pine conservation.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is experimenting with ways to protect the next generation of oak forests using fire and fences at two mountaintop sites in the park.

cadia’s forests is that they are in good condition. In fact, Acadia’s forests are in better condition than many national parks south of us, which are often seriously impacted by invasive plant species or overabundance of white-tailed deer—often both. But to the layperson's eye, the forests may look 'messy.' Learn more about how Acadia's messy forests are healthy.

NPS Inventory and Monitoring Networks have been tracking forest health in eastern national parks since 2006. This monitoring information can guide resilient forest management and support parks in adapting to changing conditions through the actions described below.

Forests in the northeastern U.S. are in peril. Over-abundant deer, invasive plants, and insect pests are negatively impacting park forests, threatening to degrade the scenic vistas and forested landscapes that parks are renowned for. With regional collaboration, parks can manage these impacts and help forests be resilient. This article series explores tools available to park managers to achieve their goals.

One Tam partners released the first-ever assessment of the health of Mt. Tamalpais. It was the first time that over 60 One Tam partner staff and scientists from across the region came together to look at indicators of health. We analyzed these indicators, such as special wildlife species and plant communities, at a landscape-scale to develop an overall picture of health for the mountain.

In order to prepare for the future, it is essential to look to the past. The story of northern forests is one of change. Whether analyzing rapid changes in land use or more subtle responses to climate change, truly understanding the way these ecosystems act and react to the world around them requires a deeper historical perspective.

Another banner year for science in Acadia National Park! Researchers worked on 85 different projects, many of them forward-looking to help us understand how the park’s natural and cultural resources are changing and how we can best manage them to ensure that they remain healthy for future generations to enjoy.