World Ranger Day is observed every year on July 31. It’s a day that was created by the International Ranger Federation and first held in 2007 to honor park and forest rangers who work to protect wildlife, open spaces and natural resources not only in Riverside County, but around the world.
It’s a great day to show appreciation and support for the vital work that park and forest rangers do day in and day out.
So, next time you are out enjoying a relaxing walk or hike or a rigorous mountain bike ride in Riverside County’s beautiful parks or open spaces, remember the men and women who help preserve, protect and defend our wilderness land resources.
Fun Tree and Forest Facts:
- Trees filter air pollution particles from the air by trapping them on leaves and bark.
- The leaves, stems and bark of trees slow down water runoff after heavy rainfalls and allow water to flow down the trunk and into the ground.
- Rain washes the particles to the ground, where they’re filtered by the soil.
- The roots of trees bind the soil to reduce erosion and help prevent sediments and pollution from entering our watersheds.
- In one year, a mature tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants.
- The national forest system is the largest source of water in the continental United States and provides for more than one-third of the U.S. population
