Letter to the Editor: A "Shady" Subject
I thought a catchy title may encourage more people to read this article … so now that I have your attention my article is about trees!
For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about trees! My friends would definitely confirm that statement. I am truly grateful for the ambience of peace and tranquility they create when I am walking on the trail or sitting in a park. They simply enhance the beauty of nature while I am biking on the G2G Trail. The shade they offer on a warm day (especially when I am at an outdoor concert) or the cover they provide on a rainy day. Yes, I love trees!
I was inspired to write this article for all the reasons noted above but compelled to write this article for the many reasons we NEED trees. Some of the following information is from a presentation given by the guest speaker at our last Green Goderich meeting, Kerry McLaven, the Director of Operations of Forests Ontario.
Kerry confirmed that it is true that our human health and well-being are intricately interconnected with the health of our natural environment. Trees are the “Lungs of the Earth” supplying us with oxygen. Forest bathing (spending time in the forest) has been linked to a significant decline in stress. Trees help to reduce smog and pollution by filtering out many airborne pollutants such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Trees planted along roadways help reduce blowing snow. They provide us with recreation (camping, trail walking, etc.). They provide habitats for many species. People think primarily about lumber and paper when they think about products from trees, but trees also give us the most beautiful sounds created by wooden instruments. And of course we cannot forget the many types of food that come from trees (maple syrup being one of my favorites!). Yes we truly need trees!
So the question now is, what can we do for trees? Climate change is definitely affecting the future of our forests. Greenhouse gas emissions are the key driver behind climate change. When we talk about climate change in current time, we are referring to the human-caused changes that are happening far too fast. It is a major factor in what is causing the severe weather we are experiencing. Floods, severe windstorms and forest fires are destroying our forests.
We must keep asking and demanding action from our municipal, provincial and federal governments. The provincial government cancelled tree planting due to budget concerns. The general public was verbal and protested and a few months later the Federal government (Minister Catherine McKenna) pledged 15 million dollars to keep the 50 Million Tree Program running for another four years. We must also do our part by monitoring our own carbon footprint. Making small changes like walking more and driving less, buying local (less transporting of goods) as well as reducing our usage of single use plastics. Yes each one of us making small changes can make a big difference!
In closing, the next time you are experiencing a wonderful adventure in the forest, remember too, the role the trees play in sustaining our world. Breathe deeply and be grateful my friends.
Brenda Teichert
Green Goderich Member
For more information about Green Goderich and other ways you can play a part in healing our planet, please check out our Facebook page and website at www.greeengoderich.com.
For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about trees! My friends would definitely confirm that statement. I am truly grateful for the ambience of peace and tranquility they create when I am walking on the trail or sitting in a park. They simply enhance the beauty of nature while I am biking on the G2G Trail. The shade they offer on a warm day (especially when I am at an outdoor concert) or the cover they provide on a rainy day. Yes, I love trees!
I was inspired to write this article for all the reasons noted above but compelled to write this article for the many reasons we NEED trees. Some of the following information is from a presentation given by the guest speaker at our last Green Goderich meeting, Kerry McLaven, the Director of Operations of Forests Ontario.
Kerry confirmed that it is true that our human health and well-being are intricately interconnected with the health of our natural environment. Trees are the “Lungs of the Earth” supplying us with oxygen. Forest bathing (spending time in the forest) has been linked to a significant decline in stress. Trees help to reduce smog and pollution by filtering out many airborne pollutants such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Trees planted along roadways help reduce blowing snow. They provide us with recreation (camping, trail walking, etc.). They provide habitats for many species. People think primarily about lumber and paper when they think about products from trees, but trees also give us the most beautiful sounds created by wooden instruments. And of course we cannot forget the many types of food that come from trees (maple syrup being one of my favorites!). Yes we truly need trees!
So the question now is, what can we do for trees? Climate change is definitely affecting the future of our forests. Greenhouse gas emissions are the key driver behind climate change. When we talk about climate change in current time, we are referring to the human-caused changes that are happening far too fast. It is a major factor in what is causing the severe weather we are experiencing. Floods, severe windstorms and forest fires are destroying our forests.
We must keep asking and demanding action from our municipal, provincial and federal governments. The provincial government cancelled tree planting due to budget concerns. The general public was verbal and protested and a few months later the Federal government (Minister Catherine McKenna) pledged 15 million dollars to keep the 50 Million Tree Program running for another four years. We must also do our part by monitoring our own carbon footprint. Making small changes like walking more and driving less, buying local (less transporting of goods) as well as reducing our usage of single use plastics. Yes each one of us making small changes can make a big difference!
In closing, the next time you are experiencing a wonderful adventure in the forest, remember too, the role the trees play in sustaining our world. Breathe deeply and be grateful my friends.
Brenda Teichert
Green Goderich Member
For more information about Green Goderich and other ways you can play a part in healing our planet, please check out our Facebook page and website at www.greeengoderich.com.