Woodlands

 "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." 
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Since childhood, walking in the woods has always been a meditative experience that calms my mind while simultaneously heightening my senses to the sights, smells, and sounds unique to woodlands. My home in the Eastern United States is located in the temperate deciduous forest biome. We have four distinct seasons with cool winters, warm summers, and resplendent autumn leaves that fall away only to be replaced with lovely buds and blossoms come spring.

Whether or not one lives near a forest, thriving woodlands are essential for the health and well-being of life on earth. Walking along trails surrounded by trees has a way of speaking to the soul that fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. 

All of creation is filled with wonders that testify to the glory of God through an abundant display of natural beauty. The forest ecosystem provides natural habitat for various species of trees, plants, mushrooms, insects, reptiles, wildlife, and micro-organisms.

God created the universe to exist in an orderly manner, so when the forests of the world are harmed a severing occurs that affects the whole natural system, just like the removal of a vital organ does to the human body. 

"A forest is a living thing like a human body... each part dependent on all the other parts." ~Louis L'Amour

Woodlands are important because they -

• purify the air 
• filter water and prevent floods
• regulate the earth's carbon and water cycles
• protect the soil
• provide food, medicine, and everyday household products
• provide essential natural resources and employment
• supply diverse habitats for a host of wildlife and plants 

"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Vast areas of woodlands are being destroyed through deforestation. This greatly affects climate regulation and the quality of our air and water. In order to counteract this damage we must work to replant and regenerate these areas.

Deforestation is a complex problem to address and with the increasing rate of degradation it may seem impossible. However, we can learn to make choices that protect woodlands, nature, and all of humanity. Especially the poor of the earth who have the fewest resources and suffer the negative effects of the increasing greed and demand of affluent nations.

"Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky." Khalil Gibran

Even though we can't undo the damage that has already occurred, we can make a difference by...

• planting trees
• buy responsibly sourced products and certified wood products
• diligently recycle and purchase recycled products
• minimize paper consumption Stop Waste - Less Paper
• reduce the use of plastics and single-use plastic waste 10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution
• shop locally and support companies and businesses that are committed to reducing deforestation
• avoid using palm oil or products made with palm oil 

Palm oil production is one of the main causes of deforestation which harms our air, water, soil, and climate. Moreover, much of it is produced with slave labor through the supply chain.

Deforestation Conservation Links-

Amazon Watch

Conservation International

One Trillion Trees

Plant With Purpose

Rainforest Alliance

"A society grows great when old men (all people) plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit." ~Greek Proverb

Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~ Jen

Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.

All photos were taken in the beautiful woodlands and parks of Maryland, USA.