When water needs plants...
Many of us have heard that one of the benefits of protecting forests is for cleaner air. That's because trees take in carbon dioxide, and through the process of photosynthesis, trees exchange carbon dioxide with oxygen, which we need in our air in order to breath. Protected natural lands like forest preserves help ensure that we have spaces for trees and flowers to grow so that we can reap the benefits of cleaner, fresher air. But did you know forests and other ecosystems also help to clean our water? The various plants that grow in forest preserve woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and other natural areas help to soak up billions of gallons of rainfall every time we have a major rainstorm. According to the National Audubon Society, inland wetlands alone provide over $1.6 annually in water-quality protection in the United States! Plants, like all living things, need water. Without water, plants and other living organisms would dehydrate and loose their ability to maintain ne