Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is a process in which green plants use energy from the sun to transform water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and organic compounds. It is one example of how people and plants are dependent on each other in sustaining life. Photosynthesis happens when water is absorbed by the roots of green plants and is carried to the leaves by the xylem, and carbon dioxide is obtained from air that enters the leaves through the stomata and diffuses to the cells containing chlorophyll. The green pigment chlorophyll is uniquely capable of converting the active energy of light into a latent form that can be stored (in food) and used when needed. Photosynthesis provides us with most of the oxygen we need in order to breathe. We, in turn, exhale the carbon dioxide needed by plants. Plants are also crucial to human life because we rely on them as a source of food for ourselves and for the animals that we eat. Click on the picture below to find out more about how trees turn sunlight into wood!

Click on the picture below for information on the benefits of trees

Interesting Facts About Trees Trees are the longest living organisms on the planet and one of the earth's greatest natural resources. They keep our air supply clean, reduce noise pollution, improve water quality, help prevent erosion, provide food and building materials, create shade, and help make our landscapes look beautiful. Here are some more thought-provoking facts and figures about our oldest citizens and living treasures...trees!   The shade and wind buffering provided by trees reduces annual heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.   Each average-sized tree provides an estimated $7 savings in annual environmental benefits, including energy conservation and reduced pollution.   A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four!   Water originating in our national forests provide drinking water for over 3400 communities, and approximately 60 million individuals.   One tree can absorb as much carbon in a year as a car produces while driving 26,000 miles.   Over the course its life, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide.   An average American uses about 750 pounds of paper every year, and 95% of homes are built using wood. That means each person uses the equivalent of one 100 foot tall, 16 inch diameter, tree every year for their paper and wood product needs.   About one third of the United States of America is covered by forests.   According to the last forest inventory, there are almost 247 billion trees over 1 inch in diameter in the U.S.   The average tree in an urban/city area has a life expectancy of only 8 years.   The tallest tree in the country is a Coast Redwood growing in northern California's Redwood National Park. It is 369 feet tall and over 2000 years old!