Data from the Forest Resilience Threshold Experiment, University of Michigan Biological Station, 2024

During the 2024 field season, data collection efforts led by the FoRTE crew centered on understanding forest ecosystem dynamics and carbon cycling processes in a temperate forest landscape. Comprehensive datasets were gathered to evaluate structural and functional responses across multiple forest strata. Measurements included diameter at breast height (DBH) for canopy, subcanopy, and seedling layers, alongside a detailed subcanopy census to assess understory composition and diversity. Soil respiration (Rs) was monitored to quantify carbon fluxes, while fern density and distribution were documented to explore their role in forest microclimates and nutrient cycling. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) readings provided insights into light availability and its impact on primary production. Advanced remote sensing tools, including LiDAR and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), were employed to characterize canopy structure, vegetation health, and spatial heterogeneity. These diverse datasets collectively contribute to a robust framework for analyzing forest resilience, recovery, and carbon sequestration potential following disturbance, advancing our understanding of ecosystem processes in the face of environmental change.