The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) is a long-term research initiative dedicated to understanding the ecological and social impacts of forest management in Indiana’s Central Hardwood Region. Launched in 2006, the HEE is one of the most ambitious forest ecology studies in the United States, designed to span 100 years across over 9,000 acres of state forest land.

Our mission is twofold:

• Advance scientific knowledge about forest ecosystems and management practices.
• Educate and empower the next generation of environmental scientists, land managers, and conservation leaders

Research That Matters
At the heart of the HEE is a commitment to rigorous, applied science. Our research explores how different forest management techniques—such as timber harvesting, prescribed fire, and conservation practices—affect biodiversity, wildlife populations, plant communities, and ecosystem health.

Key research goals include:

• Developing sustainable forest management strategies that support native species, especially oak and hickory regeneration.
• Monitoring long-term changes in forest structure and function.
• Understanding public perceptions of forest management and fostering informed dialogue among stakeholders.

Our findings inform landowners, policymakers, and conservationists across the Midwest and beyond, helping shape the future of forest stewardship.

A Hub for Student Learning and Mentorship
The HEE is more than a research project—it’s a dynamic training ground for students and early-career scientists. Each year, undergraduate and graduate students from Purdue University and partner institutions gain hands-on experience in ecological fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Through immersive internships, research assistantships, and thesis projects, students:

• Work side-by-side with professional ecologists and wildlife biologists.
• Contribute to real-world conservation science.
• Build skills that launch careers in forestry, wildlife management, and environmental policy.

Our alumni go on to make meaningful impacts in academia, government, and the private sector.

Collaboration and Community
The HEE thrives through collaboration. We partner with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, universities, and conservation organizations to ensure our work is relevant, impactful, and accessible.

We also engage with local communities, offering outreach programs, public talks, and educational resources that connect people to the forests around them.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Forests
Whether you’re a student, scientist, educator, or nature enthusiast, there’s a place for you in the HEE community. Explore our research, get involved, and help us sustain the rich biodiversity and ecological heritage of Indiana’s hardwood forests for generations to come. Contact HEE.