The Diverse Forests of New Jersey: Ecology, Threats, and Restoration – Thursday Night Nature (Oct. 21)

Despite being one of the more densely populated areas in the country, our region is home to a great diversity of trees and forests. European settlers cleared nearly every acre, but natural forests rebounded and are maturing, mostly on protected conservation lands. We will explore the ecology of these forests and current threats including canopy clearing through logging, invasive species encroachment, deer pressure, and the effects of wood removal on soil, habitat, and carbon storage. Forest protection and restoration efforts hold much promise.

Dr. Sara Webb is a forest ecologist and Professor emeritus of Biology and Environmental Studies at Drew University where she directs of the Drew University Forest Preserve’s restoration project. Her areas of expertise include forest disturbance by wind and fire, old growth forests, invasive plants, and restoration ecology. She is a member of the board of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.