REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 11, 2026
ELDERS:
THE ECOLOGY OF OLD-GROWTH FORESTS
An ecological journey exploring the resilient life and enduring legacy of ancient forests.
OLD-GROWTH FORESTS DEMYSTIFIED
Old-growth forests are among the most profound landscapes on earth. Once abundant and thriving, these ecosystems have become exceptionally rare.
How did this happen? Where do we find remnant old-growth forests today? And what makes these ecosystems so special?
ELDERS: THE ECOLOGY OF OLD-GROWTH FORESTS is an online ecology course designed to answer these essential questions. By combining forest history narratives with practical lessons in the field, this course provides a clear path for identifying, understanding, and honoring older forests.
READ THE LANDSCAPE OF TIME
What are the structural hallmarks of old-growth forests? In what ways are older forests different from younger forests? How do we recognize the indicators of age in a single tree?
ELDERS: THE ECOLOGY OF OLD-GROWTH FORESTS dives into these questions to help you gain ecological literacy. With guided lessons through high-quality videos, this online course equips you with practical skills and new perspectives for understanding not only old-growth forests, but any forested landscape.
Hi, I'm Adam
I am the founder of Learn Your Land — an educational organization dedicated to bringing humans and wild places together.
The first time I walked into an older forest, I knew something was different. The trees were larger. The moss was deeper. And there was a certain quality that permeated the entire landscape.
I never experienced this quality in any ecosystem before, and while it felt good to be in its presence, I couldn't quite make sense of it at the time.
Upon returning home and learning more about the forest I just visited, I eventually realized what that quality was:
Age.
The forest I visited was an old-growth forest — an ecosystem that was, paradoxically, entirely new to me.
Since then, I have traveled across North America to study and learn from these remarkable places.
I've consistently asked questions like:
What are the signatures of old age in forests? How do old-growth forests differ by region? Why has there been an assault on older landscapes all over the world? And what can these forests teach us about growing old ourselves?
I created ELDERS: THE ECOLOGY OF OLD-GROWTH FORESTS to answer these important questions. By enrolling in this course and studying its content, you will embark on an educational journey in which the lessons embedded within older ecosystems are revealed.
COURSE INFORMATION
Here's what's included with ELDERS: THE ECOLOGY OF OLD-GROWTH FORESTS.
- Exclusive in-depth videos. The course includes 30 exclusive and never-before-seen videos that are only available to students. Organized into 5 modules, the field lessons within the course take you step-by-step through the process of recognizing and understanding older forests.
- Work at your own pace. Complete the course at a speed that is most convenient for you. The total length of this self-paced course is approximately 7 hours. You can put the course on hold if necessary and return to it at any time.
- Unlimited access. Once you enroll, the course and all materials are immediately available to you.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
What Is An Old-Growth Forest?
We often use the term old-growth to describe any forest with big trees, but size isn't always the best indicator of age. What then distinguishes an old-growth forest from a mature forest or a second-growth forest? Do the terms primary forest, virgin forest, and climax forest mean the same thing? ELDERS addresses these important questions in the introductory videos.
Historical Context & Prevalence
To understand our modern forests, we must understand their past. Is it possible to determine just how much of the North American continent was covered by old-growth forests? How did the few remaining forests escape the axe? ELDERS looks back through time to see how these landscapes once looked and explores the changes that have taken place over the past few centuries.
Old-Growth Forest Characteristics
From the structure of a single tree to the topography of the forest floor, certain physical features characterize older forests. What are these specific features, and how can we use them as clues to interpret forest history? ELDERS identifies the physical traits unique to old-growth forests to help us distinguish these landscapes from all others.
Processes & Interactions
An old-growth forest isn't just a collection of old trees. It's an ecosystem comprising untold numbers of interactions between plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. ELDERS explores these intricate cycles — from the geological foundations of the landscape to the dynamics of tree mortality and renewal — to help us see how a forest is more than the sum of its parts.
Similarities & Differences
What do all old-growth forests have in common? How do they differ? In the Case Studies module within ELDERS, we answer these questions by exploring specific old-growth forests in North America — from the rocky cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment in Canada, to the towering bottomland forests in South Carolina, to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Threats & Conservation
Disturbances like fire and wind have historically played important roles in shaping older forests. Yet today, the cumulative impact of modern stressors strains the long-term resilience of these ecosystems. ELDERS identifies the most pressing threats today and explores strategies to conserve and manage old-growth forests.
LASTING RESULTS
Here’s what you will be able to do after completing the course:
- Identify the defining characteristics of old-growth forests.
- Locate where remnant old-growth forests are likely to occur.
- Estimate the ages of trees using field observation techniques.
- Find indicator species of old-growth forests more easily.
- Read the history of any forested landscape more clearly.
- Navigate wild areas more intentionally and with deeper presence.
- Enhance your other nature pursuits, from birding and foraging to hiking and hunting.
EXCLUSIVE ENROLLMENT BONUS
What the Elders Taught Me:
Personal Reflections on Forest Ecology
A Live Virtual Presentation and Q&A with Adam Haritan
All students who enroll during this registration period are invited to join Adam for an intimate exploration into the philosophy and personal insights gathered from old-growth forests. Following the live presentation, Adam will answer your specific questions in a dedicated Q&A session.
*This live presentation will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 PM ET. A recording of the session will be made available in the student portal for those who cannot attend.
ELDERS: THE ECOLOGY OF OLD-GROWTH FORESTS
ONLINE COURSE
REGISTRATION OPEN THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 18
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is designed for nature enthusiasts and curious observers with a deep interest in trees, ecology, and history. It is for anyone seeking to move beyond simple identification and toward a profound connection with wild places.
While we dive deep into old-growth forest ecosystems, this course is ultimately about ecological literacy. You will gain the specific skillset needed to read the story of any forest — whether it is a centuries-old remnant or a younger, recovering woodlot in your own neighborhood.
A Note on Geography:
To provide a comprehensive look at diverse forests, lessons were filmed across southern Canada, the northeastern US, the southeastern US, the Great Lakes region, northern California, and the Pacific Northwest.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT ADAM'S COURSES
"Adam's gift is his ability to effectively and beautifully communicate using the video medium. As always, Adam gave me an excellent foundational starting point so that I can more confidently continue my own ecology journey."
— Kenji M.
"Adam has a great teaching style, the presentation is always content-rich, and he encourages you to apply the information immediately."
— George Z.
"He’s a passionately committed naturalist with an exceptional gift for communicating via this medium. Highly recommend."
— Libby S.
"Adam Haritan is unequivocally the best teacher I have encountered, and that is saying something given that I was a professional student for 8 years and had many teachers and professors."
— Jared S.
"Adam is a fantastic teacher. I am really feeling very well educated and am absolutely delighted by my investment in this training!
— Anjel H.
