ForestGeo is a global network of forest research plots and scientists dedicated to the study of tropical and temperate forest function and diversity. The multi-institutional network comprises close to 60 research plots across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, with a strong focus on tropical regions. ForestGEO monitors the growth and survival of approximately 4.5 million trees and 8,500 species.
The Sherman plot is located in the San Lorenzo National Park in tropical moist forest on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal. It sits on a hilltop south of the Chagres River and receives approximately 2700-3000 mm of annual rainfall.
The plot is 5.96 ha. It is a 400 m x 100 m rectangle with a 140 m x 140 m square contiguous to the left side of the southernmost hectare. A canopy research crane belonging to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is situated in the center of this 140 m x 140 m square. The northernmost hectare of this plot is in young forest approximately 30 years old.
The Sherman plot has been censused 4 times: 1996, late 1997 to early 1998, 1999, and 2009. All free-standing woody plants with stem diameter 1 cm or above at breast height were tagged, measured, mapped, and identified to species.
