From backyards to tropical rain forests, trees around the world are hard at work providing the necessities of life. Trees clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, connect communities, and support our health and well-being.
Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the health of our planet. While it may require many ideas to make a difference, trees are the proven, affordable and natural way to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Every tree planted is a step in the right direction, but it is impossible for humanity to plant its way out of climate change.
Neighborhood trees can reduce stress, improve the overall health and development in children, and encourage physical activity.
Healthy forests, whether they are in cities or in natural spaces, are key to the health of some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Trees provide habitat for animals and plants, prevent erosion and create shade in cities.
Forests rich in biodiversity benefit the human population too. Trees and other forest life work together to ensure a clean source of drinking water, act as a buffer against extreme weather, provide medicines, recreation, and enrich our lives.
Did you know?
- Forests are home to 300 million people around the world.
- Forests house 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity.
- The livelihood of over 1.6 billion people depends on forests.
- Forests store more than 1 trillion tons of carbon.
- 32.5 million acres (roughly the size of NY State) of forests continue to be lost worldwide per year.
The Arbor Day Foundation has a wonderful website full of resources, tree identification guides and more!
Join us on Saturday, June 10th at the Massapequa Preserve for a nature walk with local biologist Eric Powers. Connect with nature, learn more about trees and participate in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 2023 I Bird Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities. Register now!
- The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
- Silent Spring Revolution by Douglas Brinkley
- Growing Trees from Seed by Henry Kock