Forestry Research

Forestry research at Tall Timbers is about seeing the forest, the trees, the wildlife, and associated understory plant communities. We study and promote the use of Ecological Forestry. A basic premise of this approach holds that by maintaining the composition and structure of native forests, attendant biodiversity can also be conserved. Our focal area is upland pine ecosystems of the Southeastern Coastal Plain, and while precious little of the original forest exists today, we know from a variety of sources that they tended to be multiaged, open-canopied, and supported a highly diverse groundcover layer. We also know that frequent low-intensity fires are perhaps the single most important factor needed to sustain these systems. All forestry research and extension at Tall Timbers is undertaken in this context. A goal of the Forestry Program is to provide practical solutions for managing complex systems.

— David G. Ray, Tall Timbers Forestry Scientist

Research Topics

• Natural Stand Dynamics
• Managing Canopy Cover in Upland Pine Ecosystems
• Modeling Forest Stand Dynamics
• Carbon Sequestration in Managed Forests
• Strategies for Restoring Structure and Function
• Planting Density Study
• Population Dynamics of Old-Field Pines
• A Refined Height-Diameter Model Longleaf Pine

For More Information

Forestry Internship and Job Opportunities

Forestry Publications and Links