What do you think of when you hear, “forest”?

A place with trees Where animals like bears and raccoons live A place where I hunt

Defining a Forest Forests vary in size, composition, and function People use forests in many ways too so their definition of what is a forest can all be different The people who use a forest and who value it are called stakeholders Defining a forest when they look so different and when there are many stakeholders can be hard

Defining a Forest The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says that a forest is land -that is a little bigger than 1 acre in size -where the trees cover at least 10% of it -and the trees can grow to be at least 16 feet tall

Defining a Forest But the FAO definition of a forest isn’t complete What else is in a forest other than just trees?

What else is in a forest other than trees? Shrubs Wildlife Decomposers People Soil

Forests can be categorized by their environmental conditions - ex. climate, elevation, soil, amount of water Or by what lives in the forest- ex. types of trees, birds, fungi, mammals, people, insects And by how they’re used – ex. for timber, to get food from, for recreation, or for wildlife Categorizing Forests

Despite differences in the environmental conditions in a forest, what lives in a forest, and how it is used, all forests provide services that you and I benefit from everyday. Can you think of any good things forests do? Benefits Forests Provide

Forests provide shade, clean air for us to breath, clean water for us to drink, return nutrients to the soil, and provide habitat for other plants and wildlife These things forests provide are called ecosystem services All forest types provide ecosystem services! Benefits Forests Provide

Now that we know what makes up a forest and what they do for us, let’s explore the different forest types …

1.Natural Forests 2.Plantations 3.Urban Forests Types of Forests

These types of forests are usually conservation areas for wildlife, ecosystem services and wildlife Sometimes trees in natural forests are harvested but young trees will grow from seeds left on the ground and take their place Natural forests provide green areas for many people to enjoy Have you ever visited a natural forest? Natural Forests

An Example of a Natural Forest

These are forest that are specifically planted to make products people use Examples of products include paper, wood, fuel, oranges, and pecans Plantations are usually planted in rows for easy access and are privately owned Plantations are usually less diverse than natural forests Plantations

An Example of a Plantation

These forests are planted or left standing in developed areas such as in neighborhoods or cities Human benefits are the primary purpose of urban forests These benefits include providing cool shade, beauty, and taking up water after it rains Is there an urban forest near your school or where you live? Urban Forests

An Example of an Urban Forest

Now let’s review what you’ve learned by playing a quick game!

Name the Forest Type!

Here is a harder one

Name the Forest Type! Here is a harder one

You are now prepared to do a fun activity to explore forests and apply what you learned Be ready to share your pictures of forests that you brought to class with your friends Excellent Job Naming those Forest Types! Strengthening the pulse of Florida’s forests, together