Title: Rainforests Reuse and Recycle

Main Text
Rich and diverse, rainforests are recycling powerhouses. They produce a constant supply of organic matter that contains nutrients needed by both plants and animals. These nutrients flow through the rainforest in a cycle much like water. Bits and pieces of rotting leaves, twigs, and other dead matter accumulate on the forest floor where they decay, releasing nutrients into water and soil.

Secondary Text
Most of the animals in a rainforest are tiny creatures like beetles, ants, and other invertebrates. These small but important animals help break down organic matter. Fungi and bacteria break down organic matter on a microscopic level, turning it into nutrients with the help of humidity.

Exhibit Panel Description
The main text stretches across the top third of the exhibit panel against a solid green background. The bottom two-thirds of the panel is filled with a single photo of a moss-covered log in a forest. Arrows around the log diagram the movement of nutrients in the forest ecosystem. Two arrows, labeled "Carbon Dioxide" and "Sunlight" point down into the log, while an arrow labeled "Oxygen" points up out of the log. An arrow curves down and towards the right at the bottom of the log and is labelled "Decomposing Matter". An arrow labeled "Water and Nutrients" curves up from the bottom of the log. A caption in a black box on the left side of the photo reads: "Green again with dozens or even hundreds of new plants growing on their decaying trunks, fallen trees host new life. Called nurse logs, they add nutrients to the soil and create ideal places for seeds to sprout." A small box in the lower left corner of the panel reads "User Fee Project. Your Fee Dollars at Work. Entrance fees were used to produce this exhibit".

Visit This Exhibit Panel
This exhibit panel is located along the Carbon River Rainforest Trail, which begins at the Carbon River Entrance. The Carbon River Entrance is open year-round. NOTE: The Carbon River Rainforest Trail has been damaged by fallen trees and sections are closed. Please travel with caution.