Capitalizing on the strengths of existing science capacity in the Northeast and Midwest to attain a more integrated cohesive landscape scale research program.

Our Research

The Northern Research Station extends across 20 states, comprising both the most densely populated and most heavily forested portion of the US. We envision a region where trees and natural resources support a high quality of life; wildlife, fish, and plant communities thrive; clean water abounds; and people work together to sustain and restore the health of forests. To achieve this vision, the people and communities of the Northeast and Midwest need high quality scientific information. The Northern Research Station is dedicated, organized, and staffed to provide that scientific information in a form that people can use.

Science Themes

Forest Disturbance Processes

Protect people and forest landscapes from the threat of undesirable disturbances

Urban Natural Resource Stewardship

Improve the quality of life in urban areas through natural resources stewardship

Sustaining Forests

Maintain and enhance forest productivity and benefits

Providing Clean Air and Water

Increase production of clean water and air for a growing population

Natural Resources Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment

Establish baselines, track change, quantify threats, demonstrate effectiveness, prioritize research efforts, and understand our natural resources, and the policies, practices, and processes that impact them

2010 Research Highlights

View the Highlights 2010 - Northern Research Station (3.2 mb)

The Northern Research Station (NRS) is making a difference. From tools that help city planners expand urban tree cover and its associated environmental benefits to workshops that train foresters on the latest techniques for growing healthier forests, the work of NRS scientists is improving people’s lives and the health of our nation’s natural resources. These pages highlight some of the scientific advancements made in 2010.

Research Review

Measuring critical loads of nitrogen deposition in the U.S.--
Read about Northern Research Station research in the Autumn 2011 edition of Research Review

A Unique Partnership Aids NYC Clean-up Efforts

USDA Forest Service Firefighter "hotshots" from the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee were transplanted to New York City to help clean up damage in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and Kissena Park, Queens, from tornadoes that struck Sept.16. Read more about the cleanup efforts in NYC.