Responsible forest management

Healthy forests are critical to providing clean water. Forests can positively impact the quantity, quality and filtration costs associated with a city's water. 

Trees release oxygen as a result of photosynthesis. Furthermore, trees cool the air through evapotranspiration and improve air quality by trapping dust, ash, pollen and smoke on their leaves.

Wood has been used for thousands of years as a construction material for housing, for creation of furniture and paper, and increasingly for textiles.

Most common use of fuel wood today is for cooking and heating. It may be used indoors in a furnace, stove, or fireplace, or outdoors in campfire, or bonfire.

Mushrooms are being increasingly recognised not only for their ecological significance but also for their nutritional value. All types of edible mushrooms contain varying degrees of protein and fiber.

Black, white, or something in between, truffles are usually found in close association with tree roots and always underground. Some of the truffle species are highly prized as food.

Honey is considered a superfood packed with all substances vital for sustaining life. It is produced by bees from the sugary secretions of plants from the forests.

Bushmeat is an important food resource for people, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, hunting is a vital part of responsible forest management as it protects the forests.

Fodder is a food for cattle, horses, sheep and other domesticated animals. Forests represent are a vital community resource for fodder and leaf litter. 

Cork is layer of bark that is harvested for commercial use primarily from the cork oak (Quercus suber). It has impermeable, buoyant, elastic, and fire retardant properties. 

Rubber is harvested mainly in the form of the latex from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) or others. It is collected using a process called "tapping".

Resin is widely used in varnishes, adhesives and food-glazing agents, and it can be used for perfumes, cosmetics, and flavouring.

Blackberry, black cherry, serviceberry, currant, elderberry, chokeberry, raspberry, blueberry, staghorn sumac, strawberry... the list goes on and so do the health benefits of these products.

Hickory nuts, butternuts, beachnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, hazelnuts, pine nuts are just some of the edible nuts that come from forests.

70 to 95% of people in many developing countries rely largely on traditional medicine – mostly herbal remedies – for primary healthcare. 

Forest activities may include biking, hiking, trekking, walking, meditating, tree hugging, tree climbing, camping, zip-lining, skiing, sledging, rafting, etc.

Visiting national parks and other protected forest areas, birdwatching or other forms of eco-tourism help us develop a profound appreciation for nature, which in turn fuels better conservation.

Trees add beauty to their surroundings by adding colour to an area, softening harsh lines of buildings, screening unsightly views and contributing to the value of nearby properties.

Forest have an intrinsic sacredness, associated sacredness (forests as the place of significant spiritual history or culture), and may be a place to experience transcendence.

Forest pedagogy is environmental education on forest, relations and processes taking place in forests, forest management and forest benefits to humans.

Consider how many songs, fairy tales, poems, paintings, films, cartoons, and various other forms of art have been inspired by the intangible inspirational values of our forests.