Our ancestors also feared the forest as a source of danger. They destroyed forests to remove that fear. We still utilize our forests to fulfill many needs today, but with a more rational attitude toward sustaining and appreciating what we have. Forests today cover one-third of the earth's total land area, a third of the continental United States, and about a fifth of Indiana. People also benefit from forests in other ways that are not so well understood but are just as important to quality of life.
Forests provide a clean and comfortable environment.
They help moderate excessive noises and temperature extremes. They are especially important in providing a healthy escape from the demands of everyday life. Forests play a vital role in our lives. Not only do they supply materials for our food and shelter, but they also contribute to our psychological well-being. Forest settings evoke a sense of calm and serenity, so much so that the heart rate and blood pressure decrease in individuals experiencing forest beauty.