The Cooper Field Area is comprised of two properties:  the Cooper Woodland Area and Cooper Natural Area.  The Cooper Field Area contains distinct micro-environments that constitute a rich diversity of biological habitats for environmental education and field research.  The land use history and habitats of the Cooper Field Area reflects the diversity of habitats found in east-central Indiana.  The Cooper Area provides an excellent outdoor laboratory for hands-on environmental education. 

A major effort is underway to more actively restore natural communities on some parts of this site, including wetlands, prairie and forest. Other areas will be left to develop without active restoration to provide opportunities to study the succession process.  The enhancement of regional biodiversity in a human dominated landscape will be a major theme of our restoration efforts and environmental education programs. Efforts are planned to establish permanent monitoring stations for the biotic and abiotic components of the Cooper Field Area ecosystems.  These monitoring activities are encouraged and will enhance opportunities for both education and scholarly research by faculty and graduate students at Ball State University.

The Cooper Field Area is comprised to three units that differ greatly. The Esther L. Cooper and Dr. Robert H. Cooper Memorial Woodland Area (Figure 1) was given to Ball State University in 1969. The Cooper Woodland Area is approximately 13 hectares (31.5 acres), comprised of 7 wooded hectares and 5.5 acres of wildlife plantings and secondary succession.  This total area includes the 0.5 hectare access lane that extends to Bethel Pike.  Eagle Branch of Jakes Creek flows east to west along the northern boundary.  The Cooper Natural Area was added to the Cooper Area in 1999.  The Cooper Natural Area is comprised of approximately 23 hectares (57 acres), located between the south edge of the Cooper Woodland Area and bounded on the east by the access road to the Cooper Woodland Area.