Hi-
I'm a new member and just making my way around all the features of this group.  I thought I would share this photo with you.  My husband, and 2 sons and I are on the rainforest island of Barro Colorado in Panama, standing in front of a giant kapok tree.  The Smithsonian has a wonderful tropical research institute here where scientists from all over the world come to study and try to save the rainforest.  http://www.stri.org/english/research/facilities/terrestrial/barro_colorado/index.php

Also, I thought I would give you a link to my blog where I provide information about sustainably harvested wood and the importance of green commerce, particularly in the furniture industry.  Here's a statistic I keep coming across, that continues to upset me:  up to 90% of the furniture grade wood that is brought into this country is illegally harvested out of the rainforest.  I try to educate people about the importance of buying used furniture or furniture that is certified as sustainably harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council.  http://www.vermontwoodsstudios.com/PeggyFarabaughsBlog.html

Well, got to run off to the boys' basketball game.  Best regards,
peggy