One of the most appealing characteristics of our Columbia, Missouri, neighborhood is the large number of massive deciduous trees. Primarily oaks, they are also represented by maples, sweet gums, black walnuts and honeylocusts, among other species.
For some reason, there has been an assault on these giants this summer as new homeowners have some of the trees removed; since the trees appear to be healthy one can only guess at the rationale. During a time when global warming threatens our planet, the loss of these natural respirators is especially tragic.
Ironically, amidst the background din of chainsaws, I have been reading The Overstory, a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Richard Powers. A saga of interlocking stories, the book explores the nature of trees and man's relationship with these large, long-lived, social plants. I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in natural history, ecology and conservation.
For some reason, there has been an assault on these giants this summer as new homeowners have some of the trees removed; since the trees appear to be healthy one can only guess at the rationale. During a time when global warming threatens our planet, the loss of these natural respirators is especially tragic.
Ironically, amidst the background din of chainsaws, I have been reading The Overstory, a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Richard Powers. A saga of interlocking stories, the book explores the nature of trees and man's relationship with these large, long-lived, social plants. I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in natural history, ecology and conservation.
