Deciduous forests dominate eastern North America, yet this extensive province is only one of seven woodland types that blanket the North American continent. From the old growth hemlocks and tulip poplars of the southern Appalachians to colossal California redwoods, these forests serve as important reservoirs for biodiversity. Each forest type has unique vertical structure, species composition and vegetation dynamics ruled by climate, rainfall, soils, slope and aspect. This lecture explores the beauty of North America’s forests, their unique inhabitants as well as threats to their existence such as invasive plant species, insect epidemics and climate change.