[11] WSL concentrates on five central research areas: Forest, Biodiversity, Landscape, Natural Hazards and Snow and Ice.
In the area of natural hazards, WSL researches avalanches, floods and forest fires in order to protect the population.
We will develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to global change and research urban spaces for environmentally compatible and socially inclusive cities.
[11] The WSL was established in 1885 as the Swiss Central Institute for Forestry Experimentation at the recommendation of Federal Forest Inspector Johann Wilhelm Coaz and ETH Professor Elias Landolt.
[13] The Institute's objective is to provide a comprehensive and reliable scientific basis for forestry, through experimental, investigative and observational activities, and to contribute to the solution of significant forest meteorological issues.
In 1888, the Institute leased an area of 1 hectare in Adlisberg from the Zurich City Forestry Department to establish an experimental garden, which remained in use until 1952.
Under the direction of Arnold Engler, hydrological gauging stations were set up in 1903, demonstrating the positive impact of forests on floods, but also their limited effectiveness.
In 1917, three years after the founding of the Swiss National Park, the Grisons botanist Josias Braun-Blanquet established the first permanent plots to observe vegetation development.
In 1989, the SLF became part of the WSL, creating today's Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research.
In 2010, the joint information platform Natural Hazards GIN, developed by WSL in collaboration with MeteoSwiss and the FOEN, went live.