Back in 1609, when English settlers first arrived, the Chesapeake Bay area was almost entirely covered in forests. Over time, trees were cut down for farms and buildings, especially for growing tobacco. By the late 1800s, farming slowed down in some areas, letting forests grow back. But by 1950, ano
Rainforests are vital for our planet's health, yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate. The Amazon, Congo, and other tropical rainforests are being destroyed by cattle ranching, palm oil plantations, illegal logging, mining, and man-made fires. These forests are often called the world's lungs
Conifers, like the Pinus tabuliformis, have a tough job. They must deal with cold and dry conditions during autumn and winter. These evergreen trees do not shed their leaves, so they face unique challenges. Understanding how they manage growth and stress is key to protecting forests and improving tr
Illegal logging and the trade of forest products have long been a problem worldwide. This crime hurts ecosystems and communities. The United States is the biggest importer of wood and forest products globally, with $78 billion spent in 2021 alone. To tackle this issue, we need to find a clever way t
In a recent meeting, the environment ministers of G20 countries agreed to back new funding sources for protecting ecosystem services. This is exciting news, especially because Brazil has come up with an interesting plan called the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. Unlike some other programs that ju
