About the Center

The Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center follows the tri-partite mission of Virginia Tech in the areas of research, teaching, and Extension. The research studies that we pursue often have direct application as teaching and Extension experiences. Weaving these three missions to obtain the greatest educational benefit is always a responsibility.

History of the AREC

The Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center was created in 1969 to serve a void that existed in having a better understanding of the biological and physical relationships of the forest ecosystem. This focus was chosen because it fit well with founder and major benefactor Nancy Susan Reynolds' keen interest in plants and the site forest resource with its physiographic location in the piedmont of Virginia. The climate, soils, and topography are typical of a large area of the hardwood and pine-growing region of the southeast United States.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The facilities located at the site include 780 acres, two one-acre ponds, house, apartment, lab and office space, greenhouses, coolers, two tractor sheds, and an additional seven acres dedicated to the Continuing Education Center and the Reynolds family museum house and cemetery.

Reynolds Homestead Forestry Resources Research Center research and Extension programs

• Finding genetic and physiological markers that will quickly allow plant breeders to choose superior clones
• Growth response of Virginia pine, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and white pine to fertilization and weed control
• Growth response of loblolly pine following thinning and fertilization
• Clonal x spacing x silviculture interactions to test the crown ideotype concept in loblolly pine
• Evaluating stream crossing options on forest roads
• Evaluating Poplar species genetic responses to varying environmental conditions