Grant Widens Research Path to Ethiopia’s Church Forests

By Gerry Boyle

Few Western scientists have experienced Ethiopia’s church forests—religious sanctuaries preserved for centuries by the country’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the belief that a church site should resemble heaven on earth, the Biblical Garden of Eden.

And while Colby student researchers have had just that opportunity over the past three years, as reported in Colby magazine, the number of non-Colby undergraduate researchers who have entered the vigilantly protected preserves is miniscule. “You could probably count the number … on less than two hands, and probably on one,” said Associate Professor of Environmental Science Travis Reynolds. “Anywhere.”  To read the full article.