Southern Research Station

Initiated in 1921, the SFES was responsible for research in southern pine types within the states of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, East Texas and southern Arkansas.[8] The SFES was headquartered in New Orleans, LA.[9]

The SEFES began as the Appalachian Station in 1921,[4] with its research scope being generally limited to mountain hardwood types.[8] States within the Appalachian Station included North Carolina, South Carolina, northern Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and eastern Tennessee.[10] After World War II, the Appalachian Station was redesignated as the Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, and research was expanded to include both pine and hardwood types from Florida through Virginia.[1] Headquarters for the Appalachian Station and SEFES were in Asheville, NC.[11]

As of 2022, SRS research activities were being conducted within 15 Research Work Units located throughout the southeastern US and were categorized under four scientific objectives or science centers.[13]

Within the SRS, there are 20 Experimental forests and/or Rangelands located in nine southeastern states.[14] These experimental forests and rangelands provide a network for conducting long-term research studies and are a treasure trove of accumulated historical sampling data that span a time period of up to 100 years. Experimental forests also serve as education and demonstration sites where researchers interact with students, forest landowners, and forest managers.[15]

In 2022, there were 33 established Research Natural Areas (RNA) located within 12 southeastern US states, excluding Tennessee.[16] At least two Research Natural Areas are located within the boundaries of the Southern Research Station's Experimental Forests:

• The Harrison Research Natural Area is located within the Harrison Experimental Forest.[17] This portion of the experimental forest contains 180 acres (73 ha) that were designated as a RNA in 1989.[17] When assessed in 1991, the overstory component within this RNA was 90% longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) that established naturally from seeds after the virgin pine forests were clearcut in the 1920s.[17]
• The R. R. Reynolds Research Natural Area is located within the Crossett Experimental Forest.[18][19] Other than fire protection, the R.R. Reynolds RNA was set aside from active forest management in 1943 to provide a contrast to managed stands.[18][19] Based on a 1993 tree inventory, the RRRRNA was described as "... a closed–canopy, mature loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)–hardwood forest", with oaks (Quercus spp.) being the predominant overstory hardwood component.[18][19] This 80-acre (32 ha) forest area was designated as a RNA in 2005.[20]

This 60-year pictorial timeline is indicative of the USFS commitment to maintaining the infrastructure needed to support long-term forest research.

• 
  November 1936
• 
  April 1959
• 
  February 1979
• 
  February 2000