This study explores how Italian adults perceive, value, and interact with forest landscapes in the post-pandemic context, with a particular focus on environmental knowledge, perception, perceived connections, and mutual benefits between people and forests. Using an online questionnaire disseminated among adults across Italy, we investigate how participants describe their attitudes, preferences, and needs regarding forest environments. Key topics include the subjective utility of forests, emotional and sensory experiences in natural settings, awareness of ecological functions, and perceived changes in the personal significance of nature following the pandemic. The study also aims to uncover how these perceptions relate to broader constructs such as environmental identity, nature connectedness, and awareness of possible effects of climate change. Preliminary analyses suggest the presence of rich, multifaceted narratives in which forests are perceived not only as spaces of recreation and escape, but also as restorative and emotionally significant places. Participants report an increased appreciation for natural environments post-COVID, accompanied by a heightened awareness of ecological interdependence. Although environmental knowledge appears variable, emotional engagement with forests remains a consistent theme. This research can contribute to a deeper understanding of human-forest relationships and their implications for fostering sustainable behavior in a post-pandemic world