You should know by now that preserving forests is more than an exercise in tree-hugging, although walking into the forests that remain is always a rejuvenating experience. Forests are a vital CO2 sink, part of the Earth's natural balance that man is disrupting mightily. You learned in 9th grade (remember?) that plants transpire, that is, take in CO2 for photosynthesis and give off oxygen as a waste product. Perhaps because of the forest devastation that is going on in Alberta, Ontario province has agreed to work with Canadian First Nations to protect 225,000 square kilometers of intact boreal forest lands -- an area twice the size of England. It is the largest conservation deal in Canada's history. This sweeping expanse is an irreplaceable nesting ground for North America's birds. NRDC credits activists in part for this historic victory who have flooded provincial officials with messages in recent years urging them to safeguard Canada's pristine boreal forest from destructive hydropower development, logging and mining. Thank you, officials of Ontario for listening.[photo credit: Greenpeace]