Ecological Preserve
The Davidson College Ecological Preserve was established in spring 2001 to provide unique experiences in teaching and research for Davidson College students and faculty.
The preserve, encompassing about 100 acres of forested land adjacent to the Davidson College campus, includes a variety of habitats and provides homes for many animals and plants. The preserve offers trails for jogging, walking, biking, and bird watching, as well as large tracts of habitat for ecological studies.
Guidelines for Use
The Ecological Preserve is open for walking, hiking, bird watching, and jogging. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. No horseback riding, motorcycles, or all-terrain vehicles are allowed on the Ecological Preserve. The preserve is open for bicyclists, however, all bicyclists must stay on the established trails and roads (i.e., no mountain biking through the woods). Any removal of plants or animals, dead or alive, or alteration of the landscape requires permission from the Davidson College Physical Plant.
Ecological Preserve Projects
Numerous projects have been and are currently being conducted on the Ecological Preserve.
- Prof. Christopher Paradise - Insect - Entomology and Ecology
- Prof. Kevin Smith - Conservation Biology
- Prof. Susana Wadgymar - Plant evolutionary ecology and adaptive evolution
- Prof. Scott Villa - Insect Behavior - Reproductive Biology - Evolutionary Ecology