Welcome!

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Purdue Ross Biological Reserve, on the bank of the Wabash River, is a forest rich in biological diversity and in history of ecological study. Established in 1949 by eminent ecologist Alton Lindsey, it harbors nearly 400 species of vascular plants and more than 100 species of vertebrate animals in a mosaic of well-mapped community types. Student and faculty research has investigated a wide variety of ecological processes at the reserve, from experimental studies of behavioral and physiological adaptations in animals, and the effects of forest fragmentation on vertebrate population dynamics, to centuries-long processes of ecological succession in trees. The Alton A. Lindsey Field Laboratory provides facilities for classes, symposia, and researchers, and houses the Geographical Information System for the Reserve. Databases for plant communities go back 50 years, and are a rare resource in understanding how Indiana forests are changing. In addition to several Purdue classes each year, the Reserve hosts visiting groups of local Kindergarten classes on wildflower hunts and Advanced Placement Environmental Science workshops for teachers. Educational materials like keys to plants are available for classes at the Reserve and on the website.