Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Area (HEEA) is set within the Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests in Indiana. It is a collaborative research initiative started in 2006 by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and several academic institutions. The primary goal of this area is to study the ecological and social impacts of different forest management techniques over a long-term period. Spanning over 9,600 acres, the ecosystem features a mix of oak-hickory forest, interspersed with a variety of flora and fauna that are indicative of Midwestern hardwood forests. The zone serves as a living laboratory to optimize conservation efforts within a working forest landscape. Visitors can learn about sustainable forest management while exploring the area's natural beauty. Hiking trails and educational signs provide insight into the diverse plant and wildlife species, some of which are being monitored to assess the impacts of various management regimes. This area is also known for its population of Indiana bats, a federally endangered species. The HEEA not only provides recreational opportunities like hiking and wildlife viewing but also serves as a critical site for scientific discovery and environmental education.
