In our recent exchange about one thing in nature we’re grateful for, my bestie was surprised that I did not say sunflowers. We all know how much I love sunflowers [I am indeed grateful for them]. But trees? They save my life! In fact, none of us would be able to live without them…literally.
This fact was underscored in an exchange I had with Elaine V, one of my colleagues, a couple of weeks ago. I was feeling a little under the weather, so I mentioned that maybe some time outdoors in the sun would help. She responded that would be perfect because “trees give off natural negative ions that help boost immunity and kill pathogens.” [Did I mention Elaine is a biologist?] This made me love trees even more! Who knew that was even possible?
I’m sure you learned about the benefits of trees in elementary school—how they pull the yucky stuff like carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with good stuff we need to survive, like oxygen. But there are many, many other things trees provide for human life and for our planet. You can read about the goodness of trees by clicking any (or all) of the links below.
Thank you, trees.
Thank you for the air we breathe, the homes we live in, the fires that keep us warm.
Thank you for the endless creativity you offer in your diversity and thank you for the continuous inspiration.
Thank you for the homes you provide for the animals.
Thank you for teaching us how to reach for the stars while staying true to our roots.
Thank you for teaching us balance.
Thank you for teaching us how to climb, swing, and dangle; thank you for all the good times we’ve shared. –Michael McMillan, “Giving Thanks to Trees”
It’s a special treat that #ThursdayTreeLove always falls on Thanksgiving. Thank God for trees!
Happy Thanksgiving!
About the Images: The iPhone photos in this post are from one of my mid-November “tree walks” on campus. I escaped my office for a quick break between meetings and to move my body. I was headed back when the bright yellow leaves tree beckoned. I walked past my office and spent about 10 minutes with the tree. Solid tree therapy.
I am joining Parul Thakur for #ThursdayTreeLove every second and fourth Thursday of the month. If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her latest #treelove post.
Pics and Posts 
These trees are beautiful. I wish I could see all the fall colors in the city, but we do get a sneak peek here and there.
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I miss New Orleans, but glory of autumn almost makes up for it.
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Yes! I love trees because they make me feel so good! Thank you for sharing the articles on benefits of trees. We really do not appreciate trees enough. I am reading “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben. Trees really are an amazing gift from God!
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They are indeed. Great book! Thank you for appreciating the trees and the post!
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God bless trees! I will be eternally grateful for them. Thanks for reminding us of their immeasurable value. Happy Thanksgiving!
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I hope you had a great one! I’m living for Christmas now. LOL!
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I love this post! Thank you for emphasizing the benefits – all that trees give us, especially life. Sometimes I think humans forget this, but it’s crucial to remember and protect trees.
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Oh, your enthusiasm is always so affirming. Thank you for that. And yes, we must protect the trees!
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Lovely lovely pictures and I love your campus. It’s such a gorgeous one. I think I may just want to study again if given a chance to live in the campus. Those words of gratitude were perfect on Thanksgiving and beyond. See you tomorrow.
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