An Introduction to Northeastern Forest Ecology

Northeastern forests are interesting and complex interactions of biotic and abiotic components. The interactions and processes that define these interactions constitute the ecology of the forest. Understanding forest ecology, the study of organisms in their environment, helps woodlot owners and managers anticipate how each component contributes to or responds to management activities. An introduction to northeastern forest ecology includes a discussion of landscape history, human activity, natural processes, organismal behavior, and environmental conditions. The emphasis of this introduction is towards those factors related to the regeneration of the forest. Presented by Dr. Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Department of Natural Resources, Ithaca, NY. Presented November 19, 2014.