ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

ATHENS, OH

Midstory Thinning Scientists vertically divide forests into 3 layers: the understory, midstory, and overstory. The understory is the layer near the ground. The midstory is the layer above the understory but below the overstory. The overstory is the top layer of the forest, where the canopies of the tallest trees are. Historically, the midstory layers in southeast Ohio’s forests were often open and only sparsely filled with small trees. An open midstory helps let more sunlight reach the understory, where young oak seedlings and saplings are growing. Sunlight reaching the understory is key for the continued existence of oak ecosystems, as young oak seedling and saplings need sunlight to develop, grow, and survive. This secures the next generation of oak trees that will ultimately replace the current generation.

Over the past several decades, the midstories of many southeastern Ohio forests have become very dense and filled with shade-tolerant trees, such as red maples and American beeches. This development has shaded out young oak trees, putting the future of our oak ecosystems at risk.

This is where midstory thinning comes in! Land stewards will fell certain small trees in specific areas of a forest. Stewards won’t fell all the trees in the midstory, but rather focus on the shade-tolerant species like red maples and American beech which are crowding out sun-loving trees like oaks. These downed trees will then lay on the forest floor and begin decomposing, returning important nutrients and carbon back into the soil. In the coming years, this area will also be prescribed burned, which will speed up the decomposition process of the downed trees.

Midstory thinning is just one of the tools in the proverbial toolbox that land stewards can use to restore and sustain southeast Ohio’s oak ecosystems, keeping them healthy, resilient, and ready for the future!

Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks
Midstory Thinning Credit: Wayne National Forest

The Athens County Historical Society and Museum is a non-profit organization located in Athens, Ohio. The museum's main purpose is to preserve and share the history of Athens County and the surrounding area. The museum's collection includes exhibits on the county's Native American history, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the region's coal mining industry. The museum also has a research library that contains documents, photographs, and other materials related to the county's history.

The museum is housed in a historic building that was originally built in 1845 as the Athens County Courthouse. The building was later used as a jail and a school before becoming the home of the museum in 1968. The museum has undergone several renovations over the years to improve its facilities and exhibits.

The Athens County Historical Society and Museum is open to the public and offers guided tours for individuals and groups. The museum also hosts educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibits. The museum relies on donations and volunteers to continue its work of preserving and sharing the rich history of Athens County.

ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in ATHENS OH. US MID #8403900586

The museum is classed as HSC (Historical Societies, Historic Preservation). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin). Total revenue from most recent IRS 990 Form: $ 211,943 from tax period 201306 (YYYYMM).

Contact ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM INC
65 N COURT ST
ATHENS
OH
45701

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ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM Information

MID # 8403900586
Name ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM INC
Alternate Name ATHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 311044073
NTEECC A82
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201306
INCOME 226,039
REVENUE 211,943
LAT/LONG 39.327214, -82.101333
CODES FIPS State Code: 39
FIPS County Code: 009
US Census Tract: 973902
US Census Block: 1020