msnbc.com
By Harriet Baskas
Throughout 2011, which the United Nations has declared the International Year of Forests, programs around the world are being offered with the goal of raising awareness about the care and feeding of forests and to woo more visitors into the woods.
Here at home, the U.S. Forest Service cares for plenty trees, but the agency also oversees a wide variety of special places, including six national monuments, 19 national recreation areas, 11 national scenic areas, 22 national historic landmarks and a half dozen national scenic and historic trails.
Throw in a volcano, a planetarium, bison herds and a tallgrass prairie, and you can see how taking a walk in the woods might take on a whole new meaning.
Here are some fun facts about U.S. forests to help you plan a visit.
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