Lesson 1: Forests and the Environment

Forest ecosystems play a pivotal role in our natural environment by

• performing photosynthesis

• providing habitat for a myriad of living organisms

• contributing to the health of neighboring ecosystems

• protecting and maintaining the water supply

• filtering pollution

• regulating water flow (protection against flooding)

• ensuring soil quality

• enriching and cleaning the soil

• protecting against erosion

• removing pollutants from the air

• affecting climate

• preventing climate change

• moderating climate

In the following pages, we will examine each of these forest roles in more detail.