In Defense Of Age

When I was younger, I played piano. Rather than learning popular songs of the day, I studied the classics: Bach, Haydn, Chopin, Beethoven.

When I was in my 20s, I developed an interest in spirituality. Rather than looking to modern influencers for answers, I turned to older texts like the Bible and the Tao Te Ching.

By my 30s, I noticed a pattern. Whenever I wanted to learn something, I sought out older teachers. This approach also shaped how I procured food and medicine: older people taught me how to hunt, fish, and forage.

Over time, however, I noticed a discrepancy. For years, I had been documenting forests and spending time in them. Most of these forests were, ecologically speaking, young. They had regrown after land was farmed, logged, or mined.

Of course, I wasn’t quick to dismiss these ecosystems. But if I wanted to deepen my understanding of ecology, I knew I had to connect with older forests.

So I made a decision.

I immersed myself in old-growth forests — along the Congaree River, on the Niagara Escarpment, at the foot of Mount Rainier, and elsewhere — not as a passive visitor or as someone in search of personal gain, but as an active learner, committed to sharing what I learned with others.

After countless hours in these forests, I’m excited to report that I’m almost ready to share what I’ve learned with you.

Elders: The Ecology of Old-Growth Forests is my newest online course examining the life and legacy of ancient forests. Launching in May 2026, this course is designed to deepen your ecological literacy, help you recognize patterns embedded in older ecosystems, and change the way you experience forests.

In a time when youth is disproportionately exalted, Elders: The Ecology of Old-Growth Forests celebrates maturity and restores age to its rightful place — as a steward of continuity and wisdom.

I hope you’ll consider enrolling.

Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for your continued support.

—Adam Haritan

The Forest We Lost — And The One That Came Back

Years ago, I started reading books on Taoism. One Taoist concept I learned early on was the inevitability of change. Nothing stays the same, Taoists tell us. Things move, shift, grow, and fade, whether we’re paying attention or not.

Years later, I became interested in ecology, and I began to wonder: how do forests change? Specifically, I began to wonder how forests in the northeastern United States have changed over the past 400 years.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one wondering about this. Ecologists have been trying to figure this out for a long time. What they’ve found is somewhat surprising and even a bit paradoxical:

After 400 years of intense land use, the northeastern forest is both largely unchanged and completely transformed.

How can that be? In a brand-new video, I explore this remarkable paradox.

One last thing: I have a surprise to share with you next Monday, so be sure to check your inbox!

— Adam Haritan

Upcoming Forest Ecology Outings (New Events!)

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be leading a series of forest ecology outings, and I’d love for you to join me!

On August 30 and 31, 2025, I will be leading two Summer Forest Ecology Outings at McConnells Mill State Park in Pennsylvania.

Designated a National Natural Landmark for its outstanding features, McConnells Mill is a treasure trove for learning. Central to the park’s landscape is the Slippery Rock Gorge — a deep ravine carved by powerful forces, exposing millions of years of ancient bedrock and currently supporting mature forest ecosystems.

On October 11 and 12, 2025, I will be leading two Old-Growth Forest Ecology Outings at Cook Forest State Park.

Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Cook Forest is home to one of the last remaining old-growth forests in the entire region, with 11 old-growth areas spanning over 2,300 acres. One of the areas within the park, the Forest Cathedral, contains arguably the finest concentration of old-growth trees in the northeastern United States.

During these outings, we will walk through deciduous and coniferous woodlands while discussing forest ecology. We’ll investigate big trees and big rocks. We’ll see historic landmarks, and we’ll discuss important geological influences that have drastically shaped the landscape.

In addition to learning key characteristics of mature and old-growth forests, participants will learn tree identification, mushroom ecology and identification, the role of fire as an ecological agent, ways to interpret forest history, and much more.

These outings are great opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with nature in spectacular settings. They’re also great opportunities to meet wonderful people.

Please note: Each outing is a single-day event. To maximize your learning experience, space is limited and registration with payment in advance is required to secure your spot.

To learn more and to register, click here and choose the appropriate session.

I’d love to see you there!

—Adam Haritan