Old-growth forest

Old-growth forests are mature, undisturbed forests that have developed over many decades or centuries without significant human intervention. They feature a diverse mix of large, ancient trees, complex structures like multilayered canopies, fallen logs, and a rich variety of plants and animals. These forests provide critical habitats, store large amounts of carbon, and support ecological processes that sustain biodiversity. Because they remain relatively untouched, they exemplify natural forest development and resilience, making them invaluable for conservation and ecological research.