Beneath the Surface
Forests are crucial to our environment. Partial deforestation, while not as devastating as complete deforestation, can still have significant negative effects on ecosystems. It reduces biodiversity, increases carbon emissions, alters the water cycle, and makes soil more susceptible to erosion and landslides. Although forests can regenerate, they can also become more vulnerable to diseases.
Nature is resilient. Research has shown that trees in a community thrive through collaboration and resource sharing. For example, root systems and mycelia interact harmoniously, benefiting trees, fungi, and numerous dependent species above and below ground. When a tree is cut, neighboring trees continue to send nutrients to sustain its stump for many years.
Animals lose their habitats due to deforestation. In this quilt, I depict a partially cut forest. Despite the visible tree stumps, various species such as butterflies and birds continue to inhabit the area.