Rooted Together – Trees Are Community
Just like us, trees are rooted in community. Connecting through their root systems, trees share resources and even communicate to alert neighbor trees of incoming pests. German Forester and best-selling author Peter Wohlleben describes this tree communication network as the “wood-wide web.” It may be easy to picture pop culture depictions of trees (think Lord of the Rings) moving and talking, however, actual tree communication is based on science — not the fantastical whims of Tolkien.
A tree’s social network exists through a partnership with the fungi growing on its root tips. Scientists refer to this relationship as a mycorrhizal network. A recent article by Smithsonian Magazine, “Do Trees Talk to Each Other, claims that “To communicate through the network, trees send chemical, hormonal and slow-pulsing electrical signals, which scientists are just beginning to decipher.” These exciting and ongoing discoveries in tree communication offer an interesting perspective. If trees are communities, just like us, how can we be more like trees and work together?
Growing Greener Futures
Fueled by gifts from generous donors, Tree Trust’s Green Futures initiative grows our tree community, tree by tree. From our environmental education program Learning with Trees™ to tree distributions and community planting events, we build community by fostering connections to the natural world. Bringing people together today for a greener tomorrow is only one stop in our mission to transform lives and landscapes. Great communities do not happen overnight. They result in the consistent efforts of neighbors, friends, and families working together just like trees do!
Trees Connect Community
Terry Barnes serves on the board of directors for the Seward Community Group. She is leading a community initiative to revitalize an urban neighborhood along 36th Avenue in South Minneapolis. She recently canvassed her neighborhood, door-knocking and encouraging neighbors to plant more trees. Her community group, 36th and Art, is working to green their community. Through a generous grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Tree Trust is providing FREE trees to residents living in the neighborhood. Our Community Forestry team is meeting with residents to help select a tree species that is right for their yard and discuss proper placement. Later this spring, Tree Trust staff and Takeda employee volunteers will plant trees for happy new tree owners. Terry is excited to see her community members connect to grow their tree canopy.
Terry explains, “Trees do a lot for us; they clean the air, and they give a sense of peacefulness and connectedness to where we live … you just want to walk and spend time in your own community than to go someplace else.” She is eager to enjoy the benefits of more trees in her neighborhood, hoping people will drive slower and community members will get outside to connect and relish the beauty of their new trees!
Tree Trust’s vision of a thriving workforce living on a healthy planet is made possible by community members uniting in environmental stewardship. By taking care of one another and the trees in our community, we are growing the legacy of a greener tomorrow. Your donation fuels this vital work to plant more trees and green Twin Cities communities.
