The Ecosystem

Geology

UNDERC is located in the Northern Highland Province which is the southernmost extension of the Canadian Shield.

Glacial deposits are young and drainage system is poorly developed
Headwaters for many major river systems
Surface deposits are indicative of the glacial retreat consisting of either infertile, sandy, pitted glacial outwash or boulder and clay morainic deposits
Soils also have a reduced capability for cation exchange leaving them very susceptible to acidification and formation of bogs

Cool during much of the year
Humid microthermal: no dry season with cold winters and cool, long summers
Average temperatures in January range from -4°F (-20°C) to 14°F (-10°C)
Average date of the last killing frost is 3 June
Lakes on the property are clear of ice by the last week of April, but ice can remain as late as 15 May
Average temperatures in July range from 61°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C), with relative humidity averaging 60 to 70%
Annual precipitation ranges between 20" (50 cm) and 40" (100 cm) of snow and rain
- region has more than 1" (2.5 cm) of snow cover for over 120 days in an average year
- first frost of the fall usually occurs around 21 September, although frosts can occur during any month of the year
Lakes freeze over in late October or early November until the following April or May
- ice on lakes may attain thicknesses in excess of 32" (82 cm)

In 2008, UNDERC was chosen as a site for National Science Foundation (NSF) funded program aimed at creating a National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON).

UNDERC uses iNaturalist to compile observations by students and users affiliated with our program.