LTER Network (Long Term Ecological Research)

The LTER Network (Long Term Ecological Research) is a collaborative effort among scientists studying ecosystems over extended periods, often decades. It involves sites across various environments—forests, grasslands, oceans—where researchers monitor changes in plants, animals, soil, and climate. This long-term data helps us understand ecological patterns, how human activities impact nature, and how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. By collecting consistent, detailed information over time, the LTER Network informs conservation, resource management, and policy decisions to protect and sustain our environment.