Think about what affects your life. You may not immediately think of forests, but Year of the Forest: Human Connections will make you do just that.

It’s crucial to take an interest in forests because we depend on them for most things that we need to live – primarily water. Most of the water in the western U.S. comes from forested watersheds. And in our region, most of those forested watersheds are national forestlands.

The national forests are, after all, your land. They are not “forest service land” but “national forest land.” You and your fellow Americans are the citizen-owners and beneficiaries.

The exhibit panels explore a major modern use of forests – recreation.

The exhibit continues with a final installment on Sept. 11. Year of the Forest: Healthy Habitats runs through Dec. 12.