USU's T.W. Daniel Experimental Forest Is a Place for Hands-On Learning, Long-Term Research

The T.W. Daniel Experimental Forest (formerly known as the School Forest), is 4 square miles of Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on the high peaks above Bear Lake. It is managed by USU in cooperation with the Logan Ranger District and provides students an outdoor learning space to learn about everything from forest disturbance to lynx habitat.

Located down a winding dirt road just 45 minutes from campus, the forest has been in use since 1947 by the Quinney College of Natural Resources for research and practical learning. Students who visit on one of the frequent field trips to the area have a chance to experience local landscapes and hands-on projects. Demonstrations showcasing alternative forestry strategies, cone counts and tree response to climate change are featured every year, bringing together undergraduate and graduate students with experienced professionals.

“The forest gives our students the chance to move out of the theoretical and into real-life forestry experience right away,” said Justin DeRose, professor in Wildland Resources. “This is one thing that really sets apart our particular program — the chance to experience how principles you learn in the classroom really work in the complexity of a real ecosystem.”