About the Forest

Background

On Oct. 22, 2010, the Elon University Board of trustees voted to designate 56 undeveloped acres north of University Drive as the Elon University Forest. The action protects the largest remaining intact forest in the Town of Elon and safeguards thousands of species of plants, animals and other organisms.

Some trees in the hardwood sections of Elon Forest, which make up more than 50 percent of the property, are estimated to be 150-200 years old. About 40 percent of the area is pine forest planted on an old farm field about 50 years ago.

The Elon University Forest will be preserved through a comprehensive management plan, and uses of the property will be guided by an advisory committee appointed by the Elon president. To protect the natural state of the land, the property will not be open for general public use. From time-to-time, the university will host guided science tours and other activities at the forest in keeping with its educational mission.