Synaptic Snaps, Crackles & Pops

Large Tree Planting Projects [Journalistic Intentions, Rd 8]

Why so much interest in planting a whole lot of trees, and who's doing it? Dozens of organizations around the world are either planning have already plunged head-first into doing something positive about deforestation. Their goals range from preserving an arboreal posterity for their children and grandchildren—nobody wants to have their child ask them, "What were trees like?"—to helping prevent erosion in areas susceptible to flooding and/or heavy rainfall, to replacing trees lost to timber operations and fire.

Trees provide a multitude of benefits. They are a major factor in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they provide shade and shelter as well as homes for countless species. They provide opportunities for entertainment and exploration for millions of children every day, encouraging them to disconnect from their favorite electronics—for a little while, at least—and reconnect with nature. Store-bought and homemade tire swings and tree houses are still popular, and any sturdy tree with a good branch system is just fine for a little climbing!

In old Grape-Nuts television commercials, Euell Gibbons used to say, "Ever eat a pine tree? Many parts are edible." That's true but, before you can eat one, there has to be one.