There are only a few native forests still intact. They are home to many endemic and endangered species. The forests are wonderful places where nature can thrive in good conditions, but with non-native/invasive species competing for resources, it places a heavy burden on our native plants that have evolved over time without any competition. Forests also provide us with many ecosystem services. They serve as a beautiful recreation site where people can hike and enjoy the outdoors. They also serve as a natural filter for rainwater. Our native forests consisted of mostly ground cover which soaked up and filtered the rainwater. This kept streams clean and prevented erosion from occurring. When deforestation occurred, it reduced the forests' ability to soak up the rainwater and filter it so there was more runoff flowing into the ocean which negatively affected reefs, which are delicate ecosystems that also provides many ecosystem services to us.