Benefits
Benefits of Working to Save OUR WOODLANDS
Why choose to remove invasive plants and vines? You get healthy, outdoor exercise. You meet appreciative neighbors. You get a sense of reward and accomplishment from saving trees and natural habitat.
Rev. Sarah Anders, a Tree Friends member and leader of the Wild Earth Spiritual Community, observes that working in the natural world can be a meditative experience that provides a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself. Some recall a particular time when they experienced a deep, direct, unmediated experience of the divine. Others speak of the natural world’s capacity to evoke an intimately felt sense of peace, solace, or awe. And some have shared that awareness of this spirit is re-discovered and re-ignited anytime they are “in the wild.”
What Participants in Our Tree Friends United Outings Say:
“It was wonderful to meet and work alongside like-minded people this morning. A community gathering of land stewardship nourishes the soul.” – Dia C.
“I am thrilled to see the momentum of this group in removing the vines killing our great old trees. We all ask ourselves what we can individually do to combat climate change, and saving trees has tremendous power!” – Sarah C.
“We met sad trees. We left happy trees. A wonderful opportunity to be outdoors with like-minded people and to do my part to contribute to the health and beauty of our neighborhoods.” –Joanne M.
“A great way to spend a couple of hours outdoors with friendly neighbors to protect our beautiful trees and river views.” – Marie F.
“We’ve been distressed by all the invasive vines for a long time, and this is an easy and enjoyable way to do something about it—and make new friends!” –Tiggy and Rich G.
“I derived a great deal of personal satisfaction cutting out English ivy vines which smother the trees and make the parks and green areas look so forlorn. It was akin to kneading bread--my frustrations were cut away along with the vines and I went home feeling happy to have participated.” --Jan S.