Summer 2010: Of Note
Barry Atwood
Seeing Forest and Trees
More than half of Emory’s campus is already set aside as protected green space.
But its new Forest Management Plan goes a step further in protecting the forested area’s health and native biodiversity—especially important since the campus boasts some of the best-preserved hardwood forests in the Piedmont region.
“If you don’t start out with the right principles,” says John Wegner, senior lecturer in environmental studies, “you’re bound to end up in the wrong place.” The plan also outlines a clear distinction between forested lands used for human activity and those to be left undisturbed. Among its goals are:
Restoring the connectivity of Emory’s forests, particularly the natural corridor along South Peachtree Creek from Wesley Woods through Harwood Forest and the Lullwater Preserve
Developing a reforestation plan on campus
Restoring and stabilizing stream banks
Engaging in community outreach on the importance of forest ecosystem
Designating individual forest management plans for the University’s forest ecosystems along with central campus areas, including Baker Woodland and Tull Ravine