Photograph of forest covered mountains with trees in the foreground

Photograph of maple sap collection tubes in a maple forest

photograph of wildland fire fighter fighting a forest fire with a polaski

photograph of a wildland fire crew digging hand line

photograph of a class walking down a dirt road in a forest

photograph of an older man walking up a trail along a river canyon

Photograph of a large mountain with a lake in the foreground

Welcome to the SILVER Lab

Dr. Himes SILVER Lab

About Us

At the SILVER Lab, we are dedicated to advancing forest sustainability and resilience through innovative silvicultural practices, ecological modeling, and a deep respect for diverse ways people value and understand forests. Our work is rooted in the belief that forests are more than just resources—they are dynamic social-ecological systems that provide vital ecosystem services, support biodiversity, and sustain communities.

We combine field-based ecology, experimental silviculture, landscape-scale simulations, and collaborative research to understand how forest social-ecological systems may adapt to uncertain futures driven by dynamic process of climate change, disturbance, and shifting societal values. Whether we’re modeling future forest conditions or working directly with land managers to test adaptive silvicultural treatments, our goal is to build resilient forest social-ecological systems that align with ecological integrity and support diverse values.

Vision Statement

To shape the future of forest ecosystems through silvicultural innovation that integrates ecological integrity, relational values, and long-term landscape resilience.

Mission Statement

The SILVER Lab advances science-based, value-driven forest stewardship by integrating silviculture, applied ecology, and forest landscape modeling. We generate actionable knowledge to guide adaptive management strategies that sustain ecosystem services, foster climate resilience, and reflect the needs of diverse communities and stakeholders.

Core Values

Resilience – We promote silvicultural systems that build ecological and social adaptability in the face of climate and disturbance.
Values-Informed Forestry – We recognize and respect the intrinsic, instrumental and relational values forests provide.
Science with Purpose – Our ambition is for our research to have real-world positive impacts for communities and forests.
Equity and Inclusion – We support inclusive, participatory forestry that uplifts underrepresented voices in decision-making.
Innovation – We embrace modeling, remote sensing, and other tools to simulate and visualize future forest conditions.
Collaboration – We co-create solutions with communities, policymakers, practitioners, and students.
Sustainability – We aim to foster forests diverse contributions to people including timber, biodiversity, carbon, water, aesthetics, spiritual values, cultural meaning and community cohesion for current and future generations.