### aggregation | vegetation | forest:

Mangrove forest
* are a critical filter in the interaction between marine and terrestrial ecosystems
  - vital component of complex coastal ecosystems in the tropics
  - affected by the rising and falling of the ocean's tides
  - also prime nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species
  - an incredibly important ecosystem in the tropical regions of the world
  - especially productive
  - exceptional ecosystems
  - highly productive, species-rich habitats
  - home to birds and aquatic marine life
  - important as they stabilise the shoreline, and protect it from storms
  - intertidal coastal forests of tropical and sub-tropical regions
  - most common along sheltered beaches with muddy shorelines
  - one of the most productive and biodiverse wetlands on Earth
  - very productive ecosystems and of major ecological and economic importance
  - vital for healthy coastal ecosystems
* collect the sediments in the water.
* dominate the coastlines of the worlds tropical and subtropical oceans.
* form along the banks of estuarine rivers
  - on loose sediments along the edge of the sea
  - the interface between marine and terrestrial environments
* function as natural sea barriers preventing land abrasion by the sea.
* grow naturally along the ocean and lagoons on the islands of Kiribati.
* have both ecological and economic functions.
* protect tropical coastal areas from erosion
  - uplands from storm winds, waves, and floods
* provide an important spawning area for fish
  - food, fuel, timber and medicines either directly or indirectly
  - fuel wood
* rim the delta and portions of the coasts.

Maritime forest
* are hardwood forests that lie just inland from coastal strands.
* lie inland from coastal strands.

Mature forest
* are a large store of terrestrial carbon
  - mixed with open fields and small ponds
  - ones in which the equilibrium has been reached
* attract a variety of songbirds.
* provide a home for many wildlife species
  - serene areas to enjoy trees and woodland wildflowers
  - soft and hard mast in late summer and fall

Monsoon forest
* are especially widespread in southeast Asia and Indonesia
* grow where rainfall is high but unevenly spread throughout the year.
* yield yams at the start of the dry season and many fruits and medicinal plants.

### aggregation | vegetation | forest:

National forest
* Many national forests allow camping in recreation areas - outside of regular campgrounds.
* Some national forests hire both directly and through the state employment office.
* are an enormous asset belonging to the entire nation
  - in abundance as are canyons
  - large areas of forest land, and national grasslands are large areas of prairie
  - more than a source of timber
  - public properties
  - the natural place to see the fall colors in their glory
* cover almost half of the land
  - parts of the headwater areas of many of the nation's major streams
* have regulations that restrict four wheeler use to established roads.
* provide habitats for many species of birds
  - opportunities for recreation in open spaces and natural environments
  - trees for humans to use for things like houses, chairs, and baseball bats

Native forest
* has oaks, elms, walnut, hickory, and ash as the dominant species.
* has oaks, hickory, and poplar as the dominant species
  - dogwood, elm, beech, and Virginia shortleaf or white pine
  - upland oaks, hickory, dogwood, elm, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, or white pine
* moderate the climate and are a major source of medicines.