January 14, 2009. CCNMTL has recently begun to develop a suite of web-based learning tools for earth science and ecology courses at Barnard College and Columbia University that will be part of the technological framework for the Virtual Forest Initiative of the Black Rock Forest Consortium. This initiative, spearheaded by CCNMTL and funded with a gift of $235,000 from the Golden Family Foundation, aims to support and enhance the research and education activities at Black Rock Forest, which is located 50 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Highlands and frequented by many Columbia University faculty, scientists, and students. The technological framework will provide searchable, downloadable forest assets and resources including a study index, maps, publications, datasets, photographs, and conservation information. With the web-based learning tools, faculty and students will have unprecedented access to Black Rock Forest's assets and therefore significant opportunity to enhance fieldwork and laboratory assignments.

Related links:
Learn more about the Virtual Forest Initiative
Read the Black Rock Forest article about the Initiative (page 4)