What is a natural resource?

Natural resources are the specific qualities of a place—such as the water, air, sunlight, soil, plants, animals, and climate. What makes these characteristics become natural resources is the value that we, as humans, place on them. People often have their own views on what makes something in the environment a natural resource. What makes natural resources valuable is how they can be used for recreation or enjoyment, such as hiking, birding, or boating. Or their for-profit purpose, such as harvesting wind energy, fishing, timber products, and farming.