Baker Preserve is a study site for an international research project investigating the role bedrock has on forest soil nutrient and carbon cycling. This project is a collaboration between soil researchers Jared DeForest, PhD (Ohio University) and Friederike Lang, PhD (University of Freiburg, Germany).
Baker Preserve is unusual in that it has both limestone and silica bedrock in close proximity. The soils derived from these two kinds of bedrock will be compared to similar soils in Germany’s Black Forest and the Swiss Jura Mountains. This is an observational study and will have no impact on the environment. Results of this study will provide evidence on the influence soil bedrock has on the capacity of forest soils to store carbon and mitigate climate change.
Athens Conservancy welcomes environmental research in our preserves and conservation easements, provided it does not negatively impact the land and its biodiversity.