EAR1 Explores an area known as Hemlock Hollow. This forest is studied by The Harvard Forest (HFR) Long Term Ecological Research site. (LTER) This site is one in a network of 26 scientific sites dedicated to long-term research to better understand environment, land use, and effects of climate change. This is the second LTER Ear1 has explore – the first being The Jornada Scientific Range (JRN) in the northern Chihuahua desert, New Mexico.

The defoliated trunks of these giants are due to an aphid-like insect called the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and signifies their eventual mortality. Accidentally transported from Japan to the US in 1951, this invasive species has decimated millions of trees from Georgia to Maine changing ecosystems forever. This is a sober reminder to the dangers of transplanted species through globalization. One day we may not have the opportunity to look up and listen with the Eastern Hemlock.

(Map courtesy of LTER Network) accesses 8/12/15

According to fossil pollen and sediment core samples the Eastern Hemlock has dominated this area for 8,000 years.

Map courtesy of Harvard Forest LTER, accessed 8/12/2015