Is Your Government a Planet Partner?

It doesn’t take much to understand how crucial trees are in our world – the first step is simply to care. The Arbor Day Foundation understands this and celebrates the cities and governments that understand it too.

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What does it mean to be a Tree City?

It means pledging promises to your city. Pledging to care for the environment the way it naturally does for us, no questions asked. Pledging to put the community’s health and happiness first. Pledging accountability for your implicit obligation to protect both planet and people. Pledging to take pride in doing what not everyone has the patience, compassion, motivation, or sense to do.

That’s exactly what trees stand for…pun intended. Trees silently pledge to provide for humanity and stand strong in the face of neglect on our behalf. Trees are our superheroes, and superheroes deserve to be celebrated by the cities they protect. What's their superpower? I’ll tell you.

A Tree’s “illus-tree-ous” Gifts

When was the last time you looked at a tree, really looked at one, and thought about what it must be doing within the intricacies of its roots, cells, and hollows? There’s so much more than meets the eye with these incredible structures; it’s so important to understand that to have even the slightest appreciation for them. It’s hard enough working a 9-5 seven days a week; imagine having to work 24/7, 365 days a year...and not even get paid?! They’re troopers, that’s for sure. Here’s a biodiverse job description for these superheroes:

• Oxygen: Do you like breathing? I would hope so. Trees capture carbon from the atmosphere and turn it into oxygen, AKA the air we breathe. Need I say more? This is a required skill.

• Climate change mitigation: Climate Change is real. Trees not only provide coverage that reduces excess warming of earth’s surface, but they capture massive amounts of carbon, via photosynthesis, that contribute to warming temperatures.  

• Provide habitats: Wild critters and humans aren’t so different when it comes to our ecosystems, communication, and housing. Housing similarities? Made out of wood from trees, provides shelter, has insulation, is constantly at risk of being taken away. What would happen if you went bankrupt or somehow lost your house overnight? That’s what so much wildlife has to worry about daily.

• Produce Food: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Well, apples do, pears do, delicious citrus fruits do, and most nuts do. So, when you think about it...money kind of does grow on trees, in a sense.

• Erosion control: Have you ever seen “Interstellar?” That movie is a pretty harsh reality of the potential fate of the world if we don’t have trees. In the movie, there’s endless drought that sends the world into shambles and forces humans to find an alternative, and fast. Drought, mudslides, flooding, and so many other environmental disasters can all be avoided with trees. Their roots absorb extreme amounts of water during floods and hold topsoil together, so the ground doesn’t leave your feet. Don’t underestimate the power of something you can’t see below the surface.

• Beautification: Whether it’s the snow-covered branches that offer a moment of silence in the winter, or the flowers that bloom in spring and release heavenly fragrances that catch the wind, or the vibrant fall foliage that litters the treetops every year when the air turns crisp, or the shady resting area the thick green leaves graciously provide on a hot summer day...trees beautify any space no matter the time of year or the setting. They always know exactly what we need, and when we need it. (Okay, I’m done being sappy now)

Small Towns in Bloom

There may be some limitations to being a small town, but big things come in small packages. Don’t overlook close-knit cities and the cascading impact they can have on the environment, on people, and on the world. It just takes one community, just like it just takes one person, to make a difference and inspire others.

“A city that takes care of its trees takes care of its people,” – the Arbor Day Foundation. These are the people that are changemakers, doctors, teachers, people with passions and aspirations to do more for the world. These people are the “trees” of humanity, so they deserve to be in good company.

So, what’s next for your city? Plant some trees! Get youth involved! Spread the word and wisdom of protecting and replenishing trees!

It is crucial that we promote generational awareness for the obligation we must voice more loudly: compassion and appreciation for our planet. If we make efforts to get young people involved in replanting and environmental education, there’s still hope for their future!