Long-Term Ecological Research Program

The Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program is a nationwide initiative in the United States that studies ecosystems over extended periods, often decades. Its goal is to understand how natural environments and human activities influence the Earth's systems—like forests, grasslands, oceans, and wetlands—over time. Researchers collect consistent data on factors such as climate, species populations, and soil or water quality. This long-term perspective helps us grasp of ecological changes, predict future trends, and develop better strategies for conservation and environmental management.