National Forest Week
#NationalForestWeek
National Forest Week is observed annually in Canada during the third week of September. It’s a time to learn more about the importance of forests and to reflect on the many benefits they provide to people, wildlife, and the environment.
The week has a long history. It was first established in 1920 and was originally called Forest Fire Prevention Week. At the time, the goal was to raise awareness about the growing number of wildfires and the need to prevent them. But by 1967, the name was changed to National Forest Week to reflect a wider range of issues facing Canada’s forests—not just fires, but also logging, land development, and other threats.
Forests cover nearly 40% of Canada’s land. They are one of our most valuable natural resources and play a key role in maintaining a healthy planet. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to fight climate change. They also clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and help control flooding by holding soil in place.
In addition to their environmental role, forests are also home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Birds, bears, wolves, moose, and many other species rely on forest ecosystems to survive. When forests are damaged or destroyed, these animals lose their homes and food sources, which puts them at risk.
Forests also support the livelihoods of many Canadians. The forest industry provides thousands of jobs across the country, especially in rural and Indigenous communities. Workers are involved in everything from planting and harvesting trees to building homes, making paper, and producing a range of other wood-based products. Many of these communities depend on healthy forests not only for economic reasons, but also for cultural and spiritual ones.
But despite all they give us, Canada’s forests are under pressure. Illegal logging remains a significant issue in certain areas. Urban development is expanding into forested land, and climate change is leading to more frequent and intense wildfires. Habitat loss is putting plants and animals at risk, and some forest ecosystems are struggling to recover.
That’s why National Forest Week matters. It’s a chance to take stock of where we stand and to understand the challenges facing our forests today. By raising awareness, we can encourage more responsible choices and better policies to protect these vital landscapes.
Caring for our forests is not just about protecting trees. It’s about protecting the air we breathe, the wildlife we cherish, the communities that rely on forest jobs, and the future of our planet. National Forest Week is a reminder that forests are not just scenery—they are life-support systems that deserve our respect, attention, and care every day of the year.
How to celebrate:
- Take a walk in the woods and get to know your local forest
- Organize or participate in a tree planting
- Learn about the prevention of forest fires
- Buy from companies that demonstrate sustainable forest management
- Take time to identify trees, plants, and wildlife in your area
Fun facts:
- There are eight different forest regions across Canada
- Close to 75 percent of the country’s forests are found in the boreal zone of Canada
- Canada’s boreal forest is primarily populated by evergreen tree species – spruce, pine and fir
- About 90% of Canada’s forests are found on publicly owned land
- In Canada, areas of public land that have had trees cut down must be reforested
- The coast redwood and Douglas fir can grow to be more than 300 feet tall
