Explore the the science behind a healthy, resilient forest
This section offers resources to deepen your understanding of the forest’s diverse ecological zones, rich biodiversity, and the natural processes that shape it. Learn about the role of prescribed fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems, the impact of pests like the southern pine beetle and the science behind sustainable forest management.
The Clemson University Forest Land Ethic
“No important change in ethics was ever accomplished without an internal change in our intellectual emphasis, loyalties, affections and convictions” Aldo Leopold, SCA
“Ask”, he goes on “what is the ultimate magnitude of the enterprise?”
The Clemson University Forest Land Ethic is rooted first in the safety and integrity of the biotic and abiotic system of the Forest over the long-term.
We recognize the Forest for its intrinsic value, incorporating that which we cannot see and understand, including values of the Forest beyond any perceived use to humans.
From this core our ethic extends to the purpose of the restorative ethic in the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act and as an expression of the Land Grant mission of Clemson University, and as integral to the University mission of a high seminary of learning and knowledge creation.
We value the Forest as a source of aspiration; discovery through research, instruction and enterprise as well as a source of human well-being and flourishing.
We recognize the importance of the Forest as an interface between the University with citizens, and as such our values of place will be communicated clearly.
The Forest is also a collection of stories, including but not limited to forest renewal and succession, the many human connections to place, poverty alleviation, survival, opportunity, discomfort, learning, loss, and renewal. We value revealing stories that express the dialogue of place that can grow our deeper understanding of place.
We understand the Forest as a nexus of the community and region, and a catalyst for connectivity with many values of place.
We support aspirational actions that enhance and amplify the values of place in line with the Land Ethic of the Forest.
Author: Dr. Elizabeth Baldwin
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Approved by Interim President Robert H. Jones March 2026
