The purpose underlying our work at the Houghton Forest Sciences Lab is to understand the factors that contribute to a productive, sustainable forest ecosystem. Our research focuses on belowground processes and soil fauna, which we believe play a key role in the health and biodiversity of our forest systems. By better understanding how these factors work together and are effected by human activity and global climate changes, our research will help us to develop comprehensive management plans that maintain the sustainability and productivity of our forests.