A brief summary of its long history, from its establishment to the present day.

The Study Center for the Alpine Environment, nestled at the foot of the Antelao massif in the heart of the Dolomites, boasts a rich history that began with the vision of Prof. Lucio Susmel (1914-2006).

Prof. Susmel championed the creation of this alpine facility to foster research in Forest Ecology. In 1970, with the support of local and state administrations, the building was constructed.

Originally, it housed the postgraduate specialization course in Mountain Economy, established in 1962 by the University of Padua. Since its inception, the Center's laboratories have facilitated analyses and studies in chemical-soil, biological, and ecological fields.

With the establishment of the Degree Course in Forest Sciences in Padua (the second of its kind in Italy, after Florence), the Center's role in supporting research and education became even more prominent.

Between 1984 and 2005, Prof. Franco Viola, a close collaborator of Prof. Susmel, made significant contributions to the Center's work.

Today, the Alpine Environment Study Center is a cornerstone for forest ecology research in the alpine environment at the University of Padua. It provides vital support for the teaching and research activities of various University departments and other Italian and international institutions. The conference room regularly hosts courses, seminars, and training activities, including the Ecology Culture Course, which has been active since 1962 and is currently hosted at this facility.

All the Center's activities are managed by permanent staff, periodically supported by technicians, professors, and researchers from the Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture, and Forestry.