老生长林

The rare old-growth urban forest near Lane Stadium on the campus of 弗吉尼亚理工大学 covers approximately 11.5英亩. It contains over 250 large trees, including dozens of white oak trees that have been estimated by scientists to be over 300 years old. The woods are unofficially referred to as Stadium Woods. In a spot surrounded by pavement and concrete buildings, Stadium Woods absorbs rainwater and cools the vicinity in summer. The 2009 弗吉尼亚理工大学 Master Plan Amendment identifies the site as an environmental and cultural greenway, defined as “a significant reservation of lands, 水路, 树站, and cultural landmarks for future generations.”

研究 has shown the old-growth urban forest to have a balanced, uneven-aged structure, 这很罕见, particularly for forests in urban settings. Evaluations reveal consensus in perspectives among stakeholders in that this forest patch, as the only untouched greenspace left on campus proper, 有历史, 教育, and re搜索 importance. The forest provides significant ecosystem services and is ecologically unique and rare. It reflects and contributes to the importance of the region’s natural environment as a premium example of a white oak late successional primeval forest community.

承诺 preserving and managing the 老生长林 is cited throughout the Stewardship Plan for the 老生长林, Campus Urban Forest Master Plan and 校园总体规划.