It has been a life-goal to go on assignment for @natgeo and contribute to this storied institution. I wasn’t ready for how it felt when I opened the pages and saw this image. I got pretty emotional and what triggered me was the overwhelming honor of being amongst so many photographers, scientists, editors and writers that I admire, covering a topic that is such a foundational part of my life: Saving Forests. Thank you @kurtmutchler and @afarrar for your trust and giving me the opportunity to be part of this special issue. Thank you @hannahdstone, who was only 2 weeks away from giving birth to our beautiful daughter and still fully supported this assignment. And tremendous praise to @craigwelch, @drsuzannesimard, @ladzinski, @jasperdoest, @dguttenfelder @frostjeff @garth.lenz @mattabbottphoto @amytoensing for their inspiring and important work found inside these pages.