Forests

Graphic drawing of fox with trees — Forest artwork produced by D. Caldwell for the National Park Service

Enchanted or not, forests are complex ecosystems that offer great biodiversity and carbon storage. Covering one-third of the Earth’s surface are three general types of forest – temperate, tropical and boreal. Forests are found in every corner of the country- from the fall colors of a New England woodland to the swampy bottomland dominated by cypress, to the giants of the western redwoods. These landscapes host a complicated web of flora and fauna, creating special places.

There are National Natural Landmarks designated for their forests nationwide that illustrate the beauty and diversity of these ecosystems. Some of these include:

Barfoot Park, AZ
Cosumnes River Riparian Woodlands, CA

Roxborough State Park, CO

Cathedral Pines, CT

McLean Game Refuge Natural Areas, CT

Wade Tract Preserve, GA
Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, ID

Heron Pond-Little Black Slough Natural Area, IL

Donaldson Cave System and Woods, IN

Meltzer Woods, IN

Lilley Cornett Woods, KY

Belt Woods, MD

Mt. Greylock Old Growth Spruce, MA

Itasca Natural Area, MN