What Is So Special about Old Growth Forests? Caring for Creation Podcast November 13, 2024

What Is So Special about Old Growth Forests?

An Old Growth or Ancient Forest is a forest that has developed over time with very little disturbance.  They usually have old trees, sometimes more than 200, 300, or even more than 500 years old!  They often have very tall trees such as the redwood forests on the west coast.

These forests also have a complex structure.  They will often have a variety of trees and plant life that support diverse wildlife.  They will have trees in different stages of growth from very old to less than a few years old.

Most of these forests have deep layers of organic material such as leaves, twigs, and tree bark.  As these layers disintegrate, the nutrients from plant material build the soil and nurture all the plant life underneath.

Often these forests are populated by plant and animal species that are native..  This helps protect native species and encourage their growth!  Native plants also help support insects that thrive there.  This, in turn, helps support the native plants.  So, it is a very beneficial and economical system.

Ancient Forests also sequester or “trap” large amounts of Carbon Dioxide (CO2).  This is a great benefit for our planet because of all the “carbon emissions” we have produced since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

All trees and green plants absorb CO2 through their leaves.  Using photosynthesis, the CO2 is broken down into Carbon and Oxygen (O2).  The O2 is released back into the atmosphere while the Carbon is used to make sugars to feed the tree or built into the tree itself.

This process goes on in all green leaves primarily during the day because photosynthesis is triggered by Sunlight!  So, if you want to breathe really “fresh air”, go sit with a Tree for a while.  You will be amazed at how much better you will feel just from breathing Fresh Air!

Many people take the time to hike in the woods or sit by a lake that is part of an ancient forest.  Lakes and forests, just about anywhere in Nature, remind us of Creation.  Most of us who live in “civilization” often feel tired or rundown.  We may get to the end of the week feeling generally frustrated and wondering why.

One reason may be that we are spending most of our time outside of the Natural World.  For centuries we have lived in or near forests, lakes, or oceans, immersed in the cycle of seasons related to farming, gardening, or fishing.  Now we live in towns or cities, rarely putting our feet on the Earth or seeing stars at night.  In some places, it is even difficult to see a beautiful Sunrise or a glorious Sunset!  We may be depressed because we are deprived!

If you are inspired to step back into Nature, then look for a park with trees or an Ancient Forest.  In the United States, we have the Old Growth Forest Network.  There are 39 states with 271 protected forests registered in this network.  These are wonderful areas to hike or spend the day in a quiet spot.  In some countries, spending time in the woods is known as “forest bathing” and is highly recommended for reducing stress!  Scientific studies of Human Beings who spend time in the forest have shown there are specific benefits.

Georgia has 17 Old Growth Forests.  Twelve of these forests are in DeKalb County, one is in Gwinnett and one is the Fernbank Forest.  Another is in the Chattahoochee National Forest.  If you are anywhere in or around the counties that make up the Atlanta metroplex, you have plenty of opportunities for Forest Bathing!  Oklahoma has 2 Old Growth Forests, Keystone and Turkey Mountain.  Keystone is east of Tulsa and the Turkey Mountain Forest is in west Tulsa.

California has 24 Old Growth forests.  Florida has 10 and Texas has 2. 

Have a Wonderful Week and remember, if you want to understand more about the Creator, try spending more time in Creation!  Find out what Creation can do for You.  You may be amazed and delighted … !!!