Forest Management

The forests on campus are intact core forests that provide habitat and other ecosystem services. Some parts of these forests have regrown from recent abandonment of farm fields. In these areas dense stands of early successional eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) are experiencing die off as they reach the end of their life span and shade each other out. The forest trail goes through these areas and the dead and dying trees above present a hazard to hikers. In these areas it could be appropriate to practice forest management to clear the unsafe trees, and thin the stands of pines so that selected healthy individuals survive. Alongside this management, active planting within the forest could also take place, to increase the biodiversity of the forest, which would also increase its resiliency. Using later successional tree species that are not currently present in the forest would have the greatest benefit. As the climate changes, tree species that are native farther south or downslope of the Marble Valley will be better suited to a climate that is warmer. Oaks, tulip poplar, hickories, chestnuts, catalpa, and black walnut are examples of trees that could provide additional resilience as they are adapted to warmer temperatures.

Pollinator Important Trees: Oaks

There are over 90 species of oaks in North America, at least 10 of which are native to Massachusetts. Oak trees support 897 caterpillar species in North American, and research has recorded 511 caterpillar species on small plots in the Northeast (Tallamy). Birds and many mammals also rely on oaks for the acorns they produce. Oaks are the largest and longest lived trees in this area as well, and are good candidates for urban trees as their roots are strong and resistant to damage and they seal and heal damage well.

Oaks are a genus to consider for assisted migration as well. With these numerous benefits and their importance for pollinators, the campus-wide design calls for increasing oak abundance substantially. Planting oaks in meadows is also an excellent companion planting to increase the pollinator habitat of a meadow.