Inside a Rainforest

You've probably read about rainforests and how important they are to our planet earth. They have so many plants growing in them that they play an important part in creating oxygen for us to breathe. Plants take in carbon dioxide and "breathe out" oxygen, while people breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Without plants, all animals (including human beings) would die!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a walk inside a rainforest? Each one is a bit different, of course, depending on what continent it's on, but they all have certain things in common: 1) They are in a very wet climate so they get lots of rain; 2) They are in a moderate climate so they don't get freezing temperatures; 3) The climate is just right for so many plants to grow that you can hardly see the forest floor!

Join me now for a walk through a rainforest in New Zealand, and you'll see what I mean.....

The first thing you notice is the color green, not just one green, but many different greens! Masses of greens everywhere you look - high and low, near and far.

There are so many plants that you can't even see the ground. In some places, you can't see the sky either, because the plants are over you as well as under you. The trees grow extra tall here because of all the rain and the warm climate.

Smaller plants fill in every- where they can, covering every bit of soil. Some plants don't even need the soil. They grow on top of the larger plants! Just look at all of the moss, ferns, and other plants growing on top of this tree trunk.

You also become aware of how soft it is in the rainforest. Does that sound strange? Let me explain. When you walk along the path, instead of walking on hard dirt, as you would in a regular forest, you walk on spongy soil. The dirt is wet from all the rain. It also has leaves that have fallen off nearby plants mixed into the soil, making it feel soft, like a sponge, when you step on it.

Walking on the green moss, that covers most everything, is even softer. It's funny because it's such a tiny plant, but because there is so much of it, it covers everything like a soft, green carpet. Can you see it in the picture? It grows on everything - tree trunks, branches, soil, even rocks.

It's cool and a bit wet in the rainforest. Even on a very hot day, all of the plants keep the air cool and moist. Most of the path is shaded from the sun, with the plants dripping from a recent rain shower keeping the trail muddy.

One of the most abundant plants in the New Zealand rainforest is the fern. That's why it's New Zealand's national symbol. There are many different kinds of ferns here that I've not seen anywhere else. There are even ferns that grow as tall as trees!

It's very peaceful here. The sounds of the rainforest are very soothing: raindrops on leaves, birds singing, a light breeze blowing the upper branches of the trees, the rushing water of a river.

There are many birds in this rain- forest habitat. Can you see why? The trees, bushes, and ferns are used as shelter and as places to hide from predators. They also provide food. The birds eat their nuts, seeds, leaves, and berries. In addition, bugs also use the plants for food, camouflage and shelter, so the forest gives the birds even more to eat - the bugs! Those of you who've studied Ecosystems in fourth grade know what that's called - a food web!

Suspension bridges have been built in a few areas to link the trail on both sides of the river. They are very useful, and lots of fun to walk across. Since they are suspended (hung from metal poles on both ends), they swing freely as you walk across them. It's a good idea to hold on as you walk!

Rainforests are incredibly beautiful habitats for a wide range of animals and plants. The bark, roots, sap and seeds of many of the trees are used to make medicines and other products for people. The plants turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, allowing animals to live on planet earth. Shouldn't we all help to make sure these habitats continue to grow and thrive?