The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) is a long-term research project in Indiana. We study how forest care affects nature and local communities in the region. Started in 2006, the HEE is one of the largest forest studies in the United States. The project spans 100 years across 9,000 acres of state land.

Our mission is twofold:

• Build scientific knowledge about forest life and logging choices.
• Train future land managers, scientists, and conservation leaders.

Research That Matters
At the heart of the HEE is a goal to deliver clear, practical science. Our research looks at how forest care methods—like logging, controlled fires, and conservation—affect plants, animals, and soil health.

Key research goals include:

• Building smart forest plans that help native trees, like oak and hickory, regrow.
• Tracking long-term changes in forest growth and health.
• Learning how the public views forest care so we can build better conversations.

Our findings help landowners, leaders, and conservationists across the Midwest make better choices for forest care.

A Hub for Student Learning and Mentorship
The HEE is more than a research project—it is an active training ground for students and new scientists. Each year, students from Purdue University and partner schools gain hands-on experience in field work, data analysis, and science communication.

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

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

Our graduates move on to make a real difference in universities, government agencies, and private companies.

Collaboration and Community
The HEE grows through teamwork. We partner with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, universities, and conservation groups to keep our work useful, strong, and easy to access.

We also work with local communities by offering outreach programs, public talks, and educational tools that connect people to their local forests.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Forests
Whether you are a student, scientist, teacher, or nature lover, there is a place for you in the HEE community. Explore our research, get involved, and help us protect the rich wildlife and history of Indiana’s hardwood forests for years to come. Contact HEE.