“The most consistent word I would like to have carried over is ‘celebrate;' celebrate forests. We can always talk about the negatives but let’s share with the public the positives of forests, which are amazing and breathtaking and spectacular and awesome. And we need to tell that story in a different way than we have in the past…it’s also a very good story to tell.” – Jan McAlpine, Director of the UN Forum on Forests*
The U.S. celebration of IYOF used the tagline, “Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life.” Thanks to the ways they enhance our lives, forests truly are something to celebrate: they filter our air and water, provide cooling shade in the summer, beautify our cities and towns, provide critical habitat for a myriad of wildlife, contribute to forest-based economies, and, best of all, they provide us with opportunities to connect with the natural world. The benefits of trees and forests are many, and people derive these benefits on many different levels. Our hope is that, through our campaign, we strengthened that connection, elevated the national conversation about the importance of forest health, and promoted a collective national appreciation and investment in healthy forests and woodlands.
The campaign's theme sought to connect the concept of trees and forests to health in the everyday lives of American citizens. Trees impact our health in several areas. The campaign's focus was on the role trees and forests play in:
• Clean Air and Water
• Ecosystem Health
• Economic Health
• Community/Personal Health
To learn how trees and forests impact these four key areas, visit the Facts page.
Many organizations contributed to the yearlong celebration of the International Year of Forests. We welcomed their ideas, energy, passion and commitment to healthy forests and the connections to all aspects of our daily lives. Our hope is that you will join us and continue to, "Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life." long past 2011!
