The Forest Ecology Laboratory studies the structure, growth and function of forest ecosystems. We are especially interested in the canopies of deciduous forests. We study the organization of forest above-ground components, the exchange of energy and material between the canopy and the atmosphere, and the physical environments within the forest. We hypothesize that the structure of the canopy influences the way forests work - our research aims to clarify the rules relating canopy structure and function. Most of our research is centered in a tall, mixed species forest on the SERC property, where we also concentrate on long-term demographic characteristics of forest trees. We study these relations in other forests as well, including different developmental stages of the core forest type, and forests in other climates. With the understanding gained from these studies we hope to make general predictions about how forests change, control microclimate and water balance, accumulate carbon dioxide, and provide habitat for organisms.