FORESTS

Today is International Day of Forests. It is a day that the United Nations adopted as a day to focus on the forests around the world. A day to donate to replanting forests. This year the theme is “Forests and food”: “Forests, pillars of global food security and nutrition, are the livelihoods of millions of families. They provide essential foods such as fruits, seeds, roots and wild meat, fundamental resources for indigenous and rural communities. But its function goes far beyond. Forests are a vital source of energy, providing wood for cooking, playing a key role in agriculture by hosting pollinators and acting in soil enrichment, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. In addition, forested watersheds supply freshwater to more than 85% of the world's major cities. In crisis situations, forests become an economic and food lifeline, providing up to 20% of family income in rural areas, guaranteeing healthy diets.” (United Nations, n.d.)

I took this opportunity to look back at all the forests I’ve visited. I’ve been to Costa Rican Rainforests, US National Park forests, US National Forests and Forests in Mexico. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without forests. The opportunities I gained from them. The peace I received from them.

I’ve learned so much from being in forests. Not only about myself, but about nature. I guess that’s all I came here to say. Nature is healing, forests are healing, the ocean is healing, the mountains are healing. We need to protect them at all costs. I want to share that peace with kids and their adults for years to come, which is one of the reasons I’m starting Nature-Based Groups. I want others to be able to feel what I’ve felt in nature without having to go far and to feel the need to protect them the way I do. I hope you’ll consider joining me in my new adventure.

XO Erin

Sources:

United Nations. (n.d.). International Day of Forests. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day