Joining a century of research

This past month, Conservation Corps joined a 100-year-long research project, the first of its kind for tree species. The Arrowhead Crew has been working with the University of Minnesota at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve near Bethel, Minn. to study how several forest tree species respond to diversity. In just two weeks, the crew planted nearly 7,000 native saplings. With funding from the National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research Network, data is expected to be collected over the next 60 to 100 years.
Crew leader Natalya Walker says her crew has loved being a part of a project where they get to know intelligent and dedicated individuals who are enthusiastic about their research. “We know the work we are doing will benefit research for decades to come,” Walker said. “It’s satisfying work with a great reward.”