Measuring the Forest

Measuring the Forest. . , The goal of the Forest Program at The New York Botanical Garden is to reduce the impacts of human stresses on the native ecosystem through management and restoration., New York Botanical Garden staff, students, and volunteers collect data in the Forest by sampling plots along ten-meter-wide sections. Mature trees and shrubs are measured for diameter at breast height (4.5 feet). Herbaceous plants and woody plant seedlings are also identified and the percentage of ground in the Forest covered by each species is estimated., The data collected provides valuable information about the current state of the Forest and how it is changing. Garden scientists and horticulturists can make predictions about the future growth of the Forest by studying younger trees and smaller plants., Since 1895 the long-standing "let alone" forest management policy has generally been observed except in cases where a threat to Forest such as pollution or human impact has been perceived. In 2006, data confirmed that the Forest was vulnerable to domination by invasive species such as the Amur corktree, Japanese angelica tree, and Norway maple. As a result, many invasive plants have been removed from the Forest, and native species have been planted in their place. A rove of Amur corktree once stood in this area of the Forest but was completely removed in 2008. The trees that now grow here were planted by Garden staff and volunteers to guarantee that native species will continue to regenerate in this area.