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Northern Research Station

Featured Scientist

Michelle Kondo’s research demonstrates the role nature plays in our mental health (and more).

Research Ecologists Nancy Sonti and Rich Hallett walk through the forest at Stillmeadow PeacePark. Photo by: Bill Shewbridge, UMBC New Media Studio.

Featured Research

Northern Research Station scientists are working to sustain forested natural patches so they can sustain people.

The High Line rail trail and public park in New York City is an example of urban greening that
achieves many goals and adaptations. U.S. Department of Agriculture photo.

Featured Product

Climate adaptation actions including promoting mental health

US Forest Service Northern Research Station

May Feature - Nature and Mental Health

When naturalist and essayist John Burroughs (1837-1921) said “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order,” he couched it as a personal experience. Burroughs might be gratified to see the wave of research suggesting that the restorative powers of nature have a more universal quality. In May, Mental Health Awareness Month, our features introduce a scientist whose work sheds light on how nature affects mental and physical health, an urban climate adaptation guide that acknowledges the role of forests in healthy minds, and research aimed at developing silvicultural strategies for restoring forested natural areas in urban areas so that they survive to restore future generations of city dwellers.

2021 Research Highlights

View all of our Research Highlights

Rooted in Research

Northern Research Station Scientists Answer Fundamental Questions about Mixedwood Forests

Even though mixedwoods currently make up more than one quarter of forests in the northern United States, a bottleneck in regeneration and recruitment of softwoods has signaled a potential shift to hardwood dominance across the region.

Forestcast

American elm plantation. USDA Forest Service photo.

New Podcast Season: Backcross
Chemicals and biological control can buy trees time, but they cannot completely control the non-native insects that are attacking trees that have never experienced these insects before. We need something on top of those controls, and these scientists, they’ve been working towards a solution — a long-term resistance. Listen here >>