It Takes a Forest
Step into a world where giants touch the sky and rivers pulse with life, these are the stories of Western North America’s temperate rainforests.
The temperate old-growth rainforests of the Pacific Northwest have some of the highest carbon storage potential of any forest types in the world and are recognized as some of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, yet these forest are facing a number of growing threats.
To meet these critical challenges, the IT TAKES A FOREST project was launched in collaboration with local researchers, environmental groups, and communities. This large-scale effort unites science and storytelling to inspire public engagement, drive grassroots action, and emphasize the essential role of Northwest forests in protecting biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting community well-being.
Providing a visual perspective into the importance of healthy old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest.
Sharing the unseen connections that drive our planet
As the climate and planet continue to change, many people are trying to understand and grasp how the natural world is connected to their everyday lives. So often the questions is asked, what is the value of an individual species? Or what is the value of biodiversity? This project will create a set of tools to help answer those questions, providing researchers, educators and media outlets a platform to introduce communities and decision makers to the importance of forest biodiversity and its role on our planet.
Film
Films from this project will showcase a diverse array of content, celebrating the beauty, science, and conservation efforts surrounding these forests. From short-form pieces crafted for social media to in-depth, feature-length productions, each film will bring these forests to life in a compelling and visual way.
Northwest Forest Plan Short Film Series
The Northwest Forest Plan has provided a foundation for environmental protections in the Pacific Northwest for over three decades. Despite the demonstrated ecological and climate benefits of protecting these forests, the USFS is now proposing fundamental changes to the management plan that would significantly weaken the plans ability to protect the regions forest ecosystems. Working to Reignite the shared sense of responsibility and connection that has long safeguarded the public forests of the Northwest, this film series was created to increase public understanding and engagement during the process to update the Northwest Forest Plan.
The films were made in collaboration with Coast Range Association and Oregon Wild.
Photography
From the towering canopies to the flowing creeks below, this project is working to create photo stories that celebrates the breathtaking beauty and ecological significance of old-growth forests. It also delves into the challenges these vital ecosystems face and shines a light on the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect them.
Field Notes
Every day in the forest brings new insights, challenges, and discoveries. Here, we document the latest happenings, breakthroughs, and the moments that push the project forward.
NPR Picture Show - A photographer captures life in America’s last remaining old-growth forests
Columbia Insight - Can photography save old-growth forests? David Herasimtschuk hopes so.
Earth Justice - Help Protect Old-Growth Forests Now Before It’s Too Late