Tree Stories

“I was nursing a post-partum fear of heights a few years ago and could barely get up a step ladder. Anyway, here's me hanging out in the sky on a tree stand.”

“Nalini, In this troubled political climate your 11/1 talk at Pitt Bradford was a reassuring breath of fresh air. I couldn't pick one tree that stood out in my life-they're more like an extended family, many of whom have passed on. I have a background in helping to save old growth forests in Allegany State Park, Zoar Valley and Pfeiffer Nature Center, in NY just over the state line from Bradford, and documenting photographically native orchids in NY, PA, NH, Ontario, and the cloud forests of Ecuador, so it meant a lot to me to hear your story. Thank you for what you do for the forests and the people who love them.”

“There is a lone tree in part of my front yard and it's my favorite tree because out of all the many trees around my house, it grows it's leaves before any other and it was my grandmother's favorite tree too.”

“Huge elm tree at the bottom of our lawn, near a spring. Legend had it the Native Americans lived under it and near the spring. Sadly, the beetles got it. When it had to be cut down it took four men holding hands to surround it. Sorry they didn't count the rings. My second tree was a huge ash where I had a great swing. It too had to be cut, but I was happy my grandsons got to play under it before it went. Sad days, indeed.”

“We spend a lot of time walking our dogs in COMO Park. I fell in love with this tree the first time I saw it there and my eyes always seek it out when I am near. I have never thought about what type of tree it is, but will take a closer look this week to determine that as well.“

“Ever since my family moved into our house there has been a tree in my front yard that I love to climb. I love finding new places in the tree to climb.”

“My favorite tree in the world, so far, was a huge old growth Douglas fir tree on the Lunch Falls loop trail at the end of the road north of Ketchikan, Alaska. I call him "Grandfather tree", and the boardwalk train makes a semicircle around him so you can fully appreciate his majestic serenity. During the 2 months I lived in Ketchikan in 2003, I visited him several times, giving him a tree hug and appreciating the peaceful love he gave in return. This photo is from one of my visits. His "face" was entirely natural. I cannot find any photos of him online, so hope he is still standing.“

“At the west end of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Washington state is the huge old-growth Fairholme bigleaf maple tree. She exudes a sense of calm, and has been visited by many tourists as well as local people who have a heartfelt bond to this tree, me included. If not the biggest, she is one of the largest of these trees in the world.”

“Our front yard Maple tree holds many beautiful memories for me. I enjoyed when my adventurous kids climbed it and spent time in it during the summer when they were little. The beautiful bright red leaves in the fall continue to bring me joy over the years as I look out our big windows. I curiously watch the chickadees as they flutter about in the tree foraging for insects and chattering to each other. I’m thankful for this tree.”