Just beyond the Amherst Regional High School lacrosse fields lies the Amherst Regional Experimental Forest (AREF), a quiet woodland that becomes an outdoor laboratory each year. This week, Ms. Larson’s ninth-grade ecology students traded their desks for the forest floor as they launched an annual project that has been a cornerstone of the school’s science curriculum for nearly two decades.
Ready with their handmade “age-gauge” rulers crafted from index cards, students worked in small teams to measure the diameter of the forest’s native tree species. By calculating tree ages and creating bar graphs to represent age structures, students are uncovering how these native populations are faring alongside a much more aggressive neighbor: Glossy Buckthorn, an invasive species known for rapidly overtaking local forests.
“This project gives students a tangible way to see how invasive plants can slowly push out native species and reduce biodiversity,” said Ms. Larson. “By studying the forest’s age structure over time, they can actually witness how the ecosystem is changing.”
Students noted that they enjoyed the chance to be outside while learning, and the peaceful setting of the AREF offered a striking contrast to the usual classroom environment. Many said the project gave them a better understanding of how invasive plants limit natural diversity by slowly pushing out native species.
The AREF is used by students for multiple science projects throughout the year, providing hands-on opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world ecological systems. The ecology curriculum, originally designed by former ARHS science teachers Nick Shaw and Jim Fones, continues to offer meaningful, place-based learning for new generations of students.
“Experiences like this help our students see themselves as scientists, problem-solvers, and stewards of their local environment,” said Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman.
This long-running project highlights the district’s commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning. By engaging with real-world ecological challenges, students not only build scientific skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity and the importance of protecting it.