An engaging, fact-filled, and beautifully illustrated guide to a forest's life cycle In Knowing the Trees , naturalist and outdoor educator Ken Keffer explores our forests with both precision and charm. He offers essential context for understanding scientific knowledge and discoveries about trees and forest ecology, informed by rich anecdotes and specific examples from across the US.Modeled after the life cycle of a tree, this beautifully illustrated guide showcases a wide range of topics, including unique reproductive strategies, the wonders of seed dispersal, vast underground networks of roots, the importance of photosynthesis, treetop canopies, how snags and nurse logs contribute to the future of a forest, connections among other species throughout the habitat, benefits of forest bathing, and so much more. Keffer also makes the convincing case that our health depends on the health of trees and being able to see the forest and the trees.