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National Forests are the beating heart of the world from which all good things flow. From the purification of fresh drinking water, to the generation of oxygen to the creation of habitat of countless animal species our National Forests are the point of origin for all the natural resources that make life on our planet possible.
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James Edward Mills, Madison WI, Photojournalist
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From a mix of exhilarating mountain biking adventures to a peaceful hike to a stop with rich history, National Forests make me feel calm, energized, more fit and more knowledgeable about the world and our environment. My many adventures in National Forests have made me feel like a modern day explorer and allowed me to unplug and refuel in a healthy way.
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Darley Newman, Washington DC, TV Host and Producer
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National Forests represent all that is pure in this sometimes crazy arena we call life. They give us the opportunity to escape, if only for a moment and take in the beauty and peacefulness of it all. These forests allow us the time to relax and be at one with our surroundings. We are never rushed in these spaces, yet we accomplish all that we set out to. No demands are ever placed on our presence, simply to love on nature and leave it as it was.
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Teresa Baker, Martinez, CA, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant
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In my eyes, our National Forests are truly the back bone of my life. I’ve grown up surrounded by their power, and it has definitely made me the person I am today. They’re something I cherish more and more as I get older. Everyday I look back on the incredible experiences I’ve had, and look forward to creating new adventures within these magical lands.
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Cam FitzPatrick, Jackson Hole WY, Professional Snowboard Athlete
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National Forests mean adventure. They light a spark of curiosity in my eye. They remind me what it means to be a child again, gleefully playing outside. They are also classic Americana. They epitomize freedom. I am also obsessed with the Forest Service signs! They have a timeless appeal and I know whenever I pass one, that I am on my way to a good time.
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Caroline Gleich, Salt Lake City UT, Ski Mountaineer
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I grew up on the National Forests, up here in Alaska. These lands define who I am and remind me of why I am alive. I have built a successful career on National Forests. I feed my family with the bounty that they provide. My family enjoys a clean lifestyle, with food from the earth, free of the man-made and processed chemicals and toxins that most Americans consume. Our access to play, hunt and fish in the National Forest represents our very lives as Alaskans, and Americans.
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Randy Sherman, Palmer AK, Professional Snowmobiler
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My very first experiences with nature were in National Forests—Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Those childhood vacations spent scrambling up boulders and hiking through the pines lit a fire that still burns inside me. As our world becomes more developed, having wilderness areas to visit becomes even more important. The fact that I can walk out into a forest and simply be with nature is one of the things that keeps me sane—and I think it's crucial for the soul of human beings.
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Hilary Oliver, Denver, CO, Writer
