Our Living Treasure
"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues" is the famous line spoken by the title character in Dr. Seuss's classic 1971 environmental children's book, The Lorax. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”
In urban environments, mature trees truly are an invaluable treasure. According to a recent study at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, adding trees is not enough. The study found that in order to get the most from tree cover, communities also have to preserve older ones. “If we take care of trees, they take care of us, and might even help save our lives,” said Harrison C. Garcia, the lead author on the study.
Instead of focusing on absolute numbers, the researchers matched changes in tree canopy over the years with mortality rates in those neighborhoods. They found that “each year-to-year percent increase in canopy was associated with around a 10 percent reduction in mortality”
A new book, by University of Chicago author, Marc Berman, called Nature and the Mind - the Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being discusses exactly how spending time in nature and with the trees improves your health. The book offers a groundbreaking guide as to why and how nature is good for our brains and bodies.
So yes! Let’s think about the trees this fall. While we are focused on living sustainably and while we advocate for a healthy environment, sometimes we just have to get our hands dirty and truly feel the earth. Consider planting a tree this fall. Fall is the best time for tree planting.
The City of Chicago is currently implementing a city-wide tree-planting initiative in conjunction with the Chicago Climate Action plan called Our Roots Chicago. The City’s goal is to plant over 75,000 new trees, some in every Chicago neighborhood.
The Morton Arboretum offers excellent guidelines for planting trees. If you don’t have a yard to plant a tree, check with your alderperson to inquire where you can help!
Today, the overall tree canopy in the west and near south sides of the city shows the lowest density of tree canopy, which is why a major focus of Our Roots Chicago is currently taking place in those neighborhoods.
If you are not into tree planting, consider spending quality time in the trees of the Cook County Forest Preserves. Fall is the most spectacular season to soak in the colors and peace you find while walking through the woods. As Nature and the Mind details, time spent in nature—and specifically amongst trees—reduces stress and improves moods.
The Forest Preserves offer hundreds of hiking and biking trails, birding, boating, camping, horseback riding, fishing, golf, nature centers and so much more.
Fall is also an excellent time to volunteer in the Cook County Forest Preserves. Volunteering is a way to take care of the land while you take care of yourself. There are many options, from helping to clear invasive species to greeting visitors. It is a wonderful reason to spend time outside getting exercise, helping yourself and the earth.
So whether you are in a place where you can plant a tree or if you just want to spend time with the trees, find a Forest Preserve near you and get out and explore with your family and friends.
Join our next Environmental Action Committee meeting on October 12 at 4:30pm. Email us at environment@lwvchicago.org for the Zoom link.