An Outdoor Classroom and Laboratory

An Outdoor Classroom and Laboratory. . , Over 50 percent of the world's population lives in cities. Now more than ever, it is extremely important to document the impacts of urbanization on nature., Forest research has been an important component of stewardship at The New York Botanical Garden since Nathaniel Lord Britton first commissioned a study of hemlock regeneration in 1900, a project that continued through the 1930s. Little research was conducted in the mid-20th century. Beginning in the late 1980s, research focused on ecology studies and documenting forest change over time., Scientists over time are analyzing the long term impacts of urbanization by studying similar ecosystems at varying distances from urban centers. Because of its unique location, the Thain Family Forest has become a living laboratory for researchers from a variety of institutions. Through the Natural History Project, a study of the Botanical Garden's physical setting, plant and animal life, ecology, management, and ethnobotany. Garden scientists and visiting researchers are documenting the biodiversity in the Forest and elsewhere on the grounds. This research also guides restoration efforts to reintroduce species within the Forest that are threatened or are no longer present., Scientists from institutions including Fordham University, Columbia University, University of Maryland, Cornell University, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Mianus River Gorge Preserve, and the American Museum of Natural History, along with thousands of local schools, also use the Forest as a teaching tool and destination for field trips for all levels of study.