Psst. I’m a little giddy on nature today. Know why? It’s National Arbor Day. What’s that, you ask? The Arbor Day Foundation suggests it is a time to celebrate the wonders of nature, and to plan for an even greener future by planting and caring for trees.
I love trees. When I head to the forest and am surrounded by them, I feel at home. I am in awe of their strength and beauty. They stand tall and unshakable in even the most trying circumstances. They can be content to share their space with others or go it alone.
They provide so many resources for so many different critters, yet seem to ask for little in return. I think we humans could learn a lot from trees.
And so on this very special day – a day dedicated to celebrating all things tree – I give you five of our favorite ways to spend time among the trees.
1. Stare up at the sky.
I can think of no better view of the daytime sky than through the tops of trees.
2. Spot wildlife.
Trees are full of life – some small, some big. This is just one of the critters that enjoys the trees in our neighborhood.
3. Watch the seasons change.
My favorite spot to sit among the trees is in Yosemite. I love the trees dressed in their winter white.
4. Check out trees on the trail.
We’ve seen some amazing trees on our hikes. Old ones, new ones and ones that appear to have roots growing out of nowhere. It’s fun to stop and admire.
5. Climb on them!
Some trees are made for climbing. Some need a hug, too.
Looking for a few simple ways to connect kids with trees? You can:
- Explore a tree, touching & smelling bark, making leaf rubbings & more
- Read a favorite book outside under a tree
- Become tree detectives & try identifying a tree in your neighborhood
I'm glad to hear you had a chance to do a lot of tree climbing when you were younger. Sounds fun!
Hope you had a wonderful day! 🙂
Back then when we were young we climbed every tree we could spot. We should love and protect our trees!
Happy Arbor Day (late)! I love trees, too!
And the scent, too! What a fantastic image, Dave.
One thing that we always have enjoyed is to take a hike down a forested trail and just listening to the wind blowing through the trees, especially pine trees!
My kids definitely enjoy looking for odd shapes or animal faces in trees and their roots. Sounds like you've got an eye for the "hidden images" in trees, too. 🙂
Awww … thanks, C. I know you know that same feeling of connectedness, too – even if it's not necessarily with trees. 🙂
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful childhood memory! Hope you had a happy Arbor Day!
We must be kindred tree spirits! Hope you got to spend some time among them today, too. 🙂
Oh my goodness I LOVE funky and unique looking trees. I always try to spot trees like that on my travels. I got a shot of one tree that looked like the back of an alligator all like rough and sinuous looking especially when I turned it to black and white. Such fun! Happy Arbor Day!<br />Sere
Yay for trees! As always, I admire your ability to embrace all things nature.
I was reminded just now of sitting under a tree as a young girl in my backyard in the summertime, hot & humid, with my sister, a pitcher of iced tea and a good book from the library~ trees are such good friends~ Thanks & happy Arbor Day to you.
I wrote a similar post for Earth Day about how much I love trees. Happy Arbor Day, enjoy looking up today!