(gentle music) >>Throughout the forest floor, hundreds of species of bacteria, slugs, and earthworms work together in silent concert.

As nature's recyclers, the forest microbiome breaks down the dead, transforming decay into rich organic matter, regenerating and nourishing life throughout Shenandoah.

Conducting this profound resurrection, a sprawling life form operates just out of sight.

A vast network transports, recycles, and connects the entire underground community to sustain the world above, all thanks to the intricate work of fungi.

Creating a symbiotic relationship, some fungi colonize live plant roots underground, delivering vital nutrients that foster the plant's growth.

In exchange, the fungi receive energy from the plant to further their own reach across the terrain.

Connecting with almost 90% of all plant species, some fungi link to multiple species at once, enabling plant to plant communication.

Through this complex fungal network, plants send chemical signals, warning others of potential threats, sharing nutrients, and even releasing chemicals to influence how neighboring plants will grow.

All life in Shenandoah rests on this hidden subterranean backbone of the forest, where energy left behind in deaths, changes shape and powers new growth.

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