Prexy's Ridge Old Growth Forest
Prexy's Ridge is the only old growth forest located on a university campus in the state of Massachusetts. This swathe of forest is a mix of deciduous trees and conifers that comprises 24-acres. There are a mix of native and non-native species throughout the landscape including black birch (Betula lenta), white oak (Quercus alba), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and, more recently naturalized, amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense). Due to the slope of the ridge, this area escaped the axes and saws of early colonists and was not clear cut like much of the surrounding region. On a map of Massachusetts Agricultural College from the early 1900's, the forest is clearly defined amidst the surrounding farmland and labeled as "old woods on steep slope." Today, it is both an important historical site and an invaluable resource for scientific research. Tree cores collected from this forest have dated back to as far as 1724, which means this forest has witnessed historical events as far back as Colonial North America. Forestry students have used this landscape as an outdoor classroom for years, going back as far to the days of Massachusetts Agricultural College. Students taking classes in environmental science, plant identification, landscape patterns and process, and many other areas of study still utilize this natural area as a landscape for learning.
Orchard Hill
At the northeast corner of campus lies approximately fifty-five acres of mid-succession hardwood forest, meadow, and recreational open space. This area, known as Orchard Hill, is loved by campus residents and members of the regional community for its extensive walking paths, disc golf course, and sweeping views of Mt. Toby to the north. This area is also a critical bird habitat, supporting a wide diversity of species. Birders and bird photographers frequent this beautiful natural area throughout the year to catch a glimpse of various rare songbirds and birds of prey. Species viewed in this area include barred owls, wood ducks, and northern pintails. As of 2023, 178 distinct species have been observed at Orchard Hill according to eBird, a comprehensive database operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Regular updates of species sightings can be found on the eBird UMass Amherst Orchard Hill website. Orchard Hill has a land use history that is appropriate to its name. At the turn of the 20th century, when UMass was the Massachusetts Agricultural College, this area was cleared farmland used for agricultural research. The research plots themselves included "variety" and "commercial" apple orchards, experimental strawberry plots, vineyards, raspberry and blackberry plots, and pasture lands.
Regional Forest Properties
The Department of Environmental Conservation at UMass Amherst is responsible for the stewardship of five forests in the greater Western Massachusetts region that total over 2000 acres of land. The Adams Brook Forest, Cadwell Memorial Forest, Knight-Sabin Forest, Mt. Toby Forest, and Savage Hill Forest are operated as living laboratories; environments where students, faculty, and members of the greater UMass Amherst community can study forest health and management. Opportunities to use these forests for research or education purposes are available. Learn more about the application process. These properties are equally valuable to visitors who intend to enjoy the landscape recreationally. Please visit the links above for directions to the forests, as well as rules and regulations for respectful recreational use.