Education Programs at Hubbard Brook: An Overview
Education and public outreach have a tradition at Hubbard Brook dating back to the beginnings of the project in 1955. In fact, one of the first publications from Hubbard Brook closes by stating the intention of disseminating the results of the research from the site to professionals and the general public (see Trimble, G.R.,Jr. 1955. Watershed research begins in New Hampshire. Forest Notes No. 46. 4 pp). Since that time, hundreds of undergraduates have assisted in summer research, thousands of people have visited the site, and Hubbard Brook scientists have presented information to students, professionals, and interested public audiences for decades.
The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation is a relative newcomer at Hubbard Brook and was founded in part to facilitate the education and outreach efforts of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study participants. Policy outreach began first with the Science Links program, and the development of middle and high school teaching resources began shortly after. Currently, our largest educational efforts are our Undergraduate Research Program, run cooperatively with Plymouth State University, our Environmental Literacy Program, aimed at middle and high school science education, and two community-oriented initiatives: the Poultney Woodshed Project and the Northern Forest Watershed Services Project.
In addition to our major initiatives, HBRF staff conduct tours of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to professional and student groups and speak or arrange speakers for public and professional audiences by request.
For more information on HBRF Education and Outreach, please contact Geoff Wilson, Programs Director (gwilson@hbresearchfoundation.org).