Restoring the Earth, One Forest At a Time

Plant Trees with your family and friends in the New Year!

The year 2013, is a critical time for the restoration of forests worldwide. Trees provide necessary oxygen and cooling temperatures for our entire globe. I urge everyone to connect with the Arbor Day Foundation and other non-profit organizations that support trees in order to plant as many groves, shrubs, and seedlings as possible in the coming months. The Earth needs healthy, massive woodlands in order to remain in balance.

Adventures begin by entering the woodlands.
The human psyche evolves due to the experiences in the forests.

Forests were the original gateways into the mysteries of human existence. Think of how many stories, myths, and tall tales involve entering the Wildwood. One of my favorite examples in children's literature is The Wind in the Willows. Also, where would Winnie-the-Pooh be without the Hundred Acre Wood? Consider the Ents in The Lord of the Rings. Their stately majesty and power saved the day when all seemed lost.

Trees Will Assist Us in Restoring the Earth!

In my own writing for Middle Grade readers, forests provide the settings for many grand adventures. For example, The Fairy Lore of Ghost Horse Hollow is based on the beauty of the Appalachian woodlands. The hardwood forests of North America are truly breathtaking. In eastern Kentucky, I was fortunate enough to see the stump of an old American chestnut tree. The girth of this extinct species was enormous! Several people could fit comfortably inside the remains of the trunk. I marveled at the size of the deciduous elders that once towered across the United States. It was once said that a squirrel could travel from Maine to Louisiana, and never touch the ground. Hind sight has shown us that we have cut down the original forests to our detriment. So many children in today's society cannot comprehend what our world once looked liked when forests stretched unblemished for miles and miles in all directions. Sadly, human technology and greed have destroyed the quality of life on Earth. Sustaining wilderness requires us to be protective and non-invasive. The challenge before the world community is to restore vast tracks of woodlands in spite of economic pressures and political strife.

The Beauty of Trees Inspires the Human Heart to Love More!

I urge all my readers, fans, and friends to remember the importance of forests throughout the world!

How can one person make a difference?
1) Try planting trees in your own backyard or local park.
2) Contribute to sustaining organizations that are focused on preventing the devastation of forests, especially in central Europe, central Africa, North America, and South America.
3) Visit state and national parks and let your political leaders know how much you appreciate their efforts to keep parks safe for families and tourists.
4) Recycle paper products.
5) Conserve fresh water.
6) Hug a tree! It should never be shameful to show respect and appreciation for the world of Nature.
7) Most importantly, let the next generations know that trees and forests are vital to their survival. We are the grandparents and great-grandparents of humans yet to walk upon our planet. In 2013, we have the opportunity to leave these future generations a legacy of beauty, strength, majesty, and true wealth. We have the opportunity to leave them healthy woodlands.
8) Share this blog with your family and friends!

More than ever, the forests of our world need our attention and respect.