A Season For Trees

By Brian Kelly Restoration Coordinator

Brian and a bristlecone pine, one of the world's oldest trees.
Photo by April Curtis

The month of April brings thoughts of spring, the passing of winter, and the warm summer months to come. Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Oregon's Arbor Week all arrive in April, and it's a great time to reflect about trees and how essential they are to this planet that we all share.

I'm not going to write about the many gifts that trees provide to the earth. Let me just suggest that life as we know it on this planet would not exist without trees. Since April seems to be the month that our thoughts are most likely to drift toward a sense of appreciation for trees, let me propose that you take a moment to reflect with gratitude for our arboreal benefactors.

It's easy. Just follow these three simple steps:

1. Close your eyes.
2. Take a deep breath and then exhale slowly.
3. Picture a tree in your mind (any tree will do) and think of the word "thanks".

There. That was easy, wasn't it? And maybe it even brought a smile to your face. It's just another one of those wonderful gifts that trees provide.

One of the world's youngest trees: a willow planted by HCPC volunteers sprouts to life as part of the restoration of Ladd Creek. Photo by Brian Kelly