Background

On Oct. 22, 2010, the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Board of trustees voted to designate 56 undeveloped acres north of University Drive as the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Forest. The action protects the largest remaining intact forest in the Town of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ and safeguards thousands of species of plants, animals and other organisms.

Some trees in the hardwood sections of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Forest, which make up more than 50 percent of the property, are estimated to be 150-200 years old. About 40 percent of the area is pine forest planted on an old farm field about 50 years ago.

The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Forest will be preserved through a comprehensive management plan, and uses of the property will be guided by an advisory committee appointed by the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ president. To protect the natural state of the land, the property will not be open for general public use. From time-to-time, the university will host guided science tours and other activities at the forest in keeping with its educational mission.