Rainforests

Rain forests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with annual rainfall in the case of tropical rainforests between 250 and 450 centimeters (98 and 177 in) and definitions varying by region for temperate rainforests. Rain forests play an invaluable role in sustaining life, but every year, large portions of them are cut down for logging, mining, and cattle ranches.

The rain forest is made up of four layers: emergent, upper canopy, under-story, and forest floor. Emergent trees grow far apart and tall, their branches reaching above the canopy. The upper canopy houses most of the rain forest's animal species, and forms a roof that blocks most light from reaching below it. The under-story, usually shaded and home to bushes and shrubs as well as the branches of canopy trees. The forest floor is in complete shade, meaning there is little likelihood of plants growing there and making it easy to walk through the forest.

World Rainforest Day, Celebrated on June 22, is a collaborative effort to raise awareness and encourage action to save one of the earth’s most precious resources, our rainforest.