Creed for Trees

[Oxman]

"Creed For Trees"

 

We believe in trees.

 

We believe that we must plant and care for trees near where we live and work. We know this is wise since beauty of trees brings peace to our souls. Trees save our fuel, improve our air, shelter us and make homes for the wild.

 

We believe we must study how trees grow and why they die. We believe that tiny roots, too small to see, are the parts that trees need most. Roots grow far out from trunks, near the surface. They must have air, water and loose fertile soil. To build, or dig, or trench or fill near trees will kill those roots. Such trees soon die.

 

We believe trees need our respect and love. They are not at all like us. The tree is a thin layer of live cells spread on dead frames which enlarges each year as last year's layer dies.

 

We believe that only God can make a tree, but it remains for us to care for trees and make space for them to grow well. To do God's work takes time and money. We must water young trees each week, and shape them to grow tall with grace.

 

We believe that how we care for our trees shows how much we love our fragile Earth, and each other.

 

I hope that these words and the response they have invoked are but the start of an effort which leads to a far greater understanding of and love for the trees which mean so much to me.

 

Donald C. Willeke

[Oxman]

Howdy to ArbTalk folks,

 

Hope you liked Don's Creed fot Trees.

 

While preaching to the choir may feel gratifying, it is time we reached out to the community about why we are motivated to cultivate urban trees.

 

A world convention of arborists was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1998, and the discussion centered around saving trees. The keynote address at the International Society of Arboriculture meeting was given by Don Willeke. Don is a lawyer whose hobby is planting trees in community volunteer work parties. 30 years ago, he started the predecessor to all our modern day tree commissions, the "Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee".

 

When I asked Don in the late 1980's about how to get such a group started in the state where I lived, Oregon, he said very emphatically, "Convene a meeting!". I then sent out "One Mans Plea for Trees", a 5 page letter to the governor, which was published in Urban Forests magazine.

 

Soon federal funds were granted by the 1991 Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act, known as America The Beautiful. As a condition of receiving the money, each state was required to appoint a tree advisory board. Each city applying for project grant money was typically required to form a municipal forestry commission to qualify.

 

Every year, the $30 million federal grant has been spread out among all 50 states. This year, I believe the grant was reduced to $28 million. Since the portion the state of Washington receives is based on per capita polulation, we get around $400,000, which is much smaller than some other states. With this money, the Department of Natural Resources has 2 employees that coordinate tree management activities around the state, and give out a dozen or so grants of a few thousand dollars each to exemplary grantees.

 

So, what hath Don wrought? The Creed is the product of his work. The full text of his keynote is here. http://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=2269&Type=2

[David Humphries]

Howdee to you Oxman.

 

Fine thread.

 

I personally find hearing about more inclusive society tree management from anywhere around the world very encouraging & inspiring.

 

So thanks for posting.

 

 

I feel Mr Willekes "Creed for Trees" although heart felt & well meaning in presentation, is a little too flowery for delivery here in the Uk.

 

Not a criticism really, as no doubt public speaking either side of the pond will have different accents.

 

There are a number of urban tree initiatives here, but possibly not as substantially funded as the US.

 

Boris, our very own colourful London Mayor has a "vision" (not nescesarily his own) where the aspiration is to plant 2 million new trees in the capital.

 

"His ambition is to increase tree cover from 20 per cent to 25 per cent by 2025. This equates to approximately two million trees."

 

 

 

 

 

Out of interest, what is your day job Oxman?

 

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