Who doesn’t love trees? And for that matter, who doesn’t love more trees? In my experience thus far in conservation and environmental science, trees are celebrated as the “natural solution” to climate change problems. I participated in a few tree planting events in college and came up with the idea to plan a tree planting event for Green Mountain Conservation Group here in rural New Hampshire. Most of the events I had been involved in were about adding more trees to roadways and areas with a lot of pavement. Here in eastern New Hampshire there is much less pavement and lots of forested land so this is probably not the most ideal location to do a tree planting. But, I figured that this would be a fairly easy project to start, and again, what could be the downside of planting more trees?
As I developed a concept for this, I received a lot of feedback from GMCG board and committee members, and I began to learn that tree plantings were more complex than I originally thought. Not everyone places a high value on there being more trees around. Even some folks in the conservation field do not see a huge benefit to planting new trees. I had a sit down meeting with two very knowledgeable members of the nearby community who do a lot of work with land trusts and carbon sequestration forest education, and I began to read up on some of the concepts they presented to me. Through this I was able to learn a lot and discovered that tree planting is more than just “putting trees into the ground.”
Some of the complexities with tree plantings exist more in the realm of publicity issues. With climate change being a huge issue as of decades ago, the benefit of planting new trees may be over-exaggerated considering the time it takes them to grow and become large enough to actually store meaningful amounts of carbon. Some are concerned with tree planting efforts taking too much focus away from a concept known as proforestation - the practice of purposefully allowing intact forests to grow to maturity and achieve maximum carbon storage potential. In other words, the solution is not necessarily needing more trees, but needing to keep our existing forests and mature trees from being logged.
However, tree plantings can provide other benefits beyond carbon sequestration, if done carefully and properly. They may not be the most effective strategy for the immediate future in terms of mitigating climate change now, but they can provide streambank stabilization to impaired waterways and wildlife habitat.
As a young conservationist, just beginning my career through the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, I have learned a lot through this process. Something I thought was pretty simple turned out to be more complex and I am learning that it will continue to be necessary for me to reach out and listen to those with many years of experience in this field. Through this experience I have been able to interact with landowners of a conservation easement and hear about their excitement for having more trees on their property. I have learned how to go through the process of starting and planning a new project. Mostly, I am thankful that we have been able to move forward with a small tree planting project focused on streambank stabilization and wildlife habitat, that will include an educational workshop and warmer weather! I am thankful for the impending summer!
With the arrival of spring and summer right around the corner, all of our many citizen science and educational programs are gearing up. This includes at least 4 ongoing summer research projects for GMCG and volunteers to get involved in. I am greatly excited for the summer season and all that it will entail. I can only imagine what more I will be able to learn through this program while being out in the field all summer. Hands on research is something I am extremely passionate about. The excitement of sunnier, longer days, more accessible bodies of water and trails, and outdoor events is really promising. After such a tough year for many, spirits are visibly and tangibly higher as the COVID vaccine makes its way around the country. The possibility of visiting close friends again and spending time with my family is always at the forefront of my mind.
The newness and restoration of life that comes around after the long winter is a yearly occurrence. However, it feels different this year. It feels like the hope of the transition to spring and summer holds a bit more promise and joy this time around. I am reminded of a few lines from one of my favorite hymns:
“In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free
In the cold and snow of winter
There's a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season.”
A new season is upon us, and for that, I am very grateful.
Trent is really excited for warmer weather, though perhaps a little less excited for the return of the parasitic hitchhikers that come with it. Learn more about Trent here!