Reflecting on a Vibrant Fall Season of Harvard University Visitors

Each fall, Harvard Forest comes alive as dozens of student groups visit to experience our immersive research facilities against the backdrop of glowing autumn foliage. With approximately 1,000 student visitors annually, the forest buzzes with activity, hosting everything from academic courses and extracurricular organizations to house retreats and orientation programs. This seasonal influx invigorates the Harvard Forest community and inspires collaborative projects across disciplines.

The visits are a cornerstone of Harvard Forest’s engagement with the university, offering students, faculty, and alumni the opportunity to connect with cutting-edge ecological research and the broader implications of climate change. This fall, notable visitors included Jeff Lichtman, Dean of Science for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), who toured research sites and observed climate monitoring technologies with Harvard Forest Senior Ecologists. Also in attendance were the Climate Leaders, a group of masters and professional students supported by the Harvard University Center for the Environment and The Salata Institute. Their regular visits exemplify the Forest's role as a hub for sustainability and leadership training across disciplines.

While fall is the busiest season, Harvard Forest remains a dynamic destination year-round. Alumni reunions bring back a sense of camaraderie as graduates reconnect with the landscape and its research legacy. Fellows and faculty from across the University also make frequent visits, engaging deeply with the Forest’s projects and innovations. Whether in the golden hues of autumn or during quieter times, Harvard Forest continues to serve as a vital bridge between Harvard University’s various programs and the quiet hum of climate change research.