Twelve Trees: The Deep Roots of our Future by Daniel Lewis
This beautifully-written book explores nature and survival as seen via twelve trees that represent the challenges facing our planet. Lewis describes the unique features of each, the challenges they face as a result of climate changes and habitat destruction, and the efforts organizations, scientists and individuals are playing to protect them. These iconic species represent a wide range of ecosystems from water-logged swampland (Bald Cypress) to extreme altitude with poor soils (Bristlecone Pine) and deep in the Amazon (Ceiba). He also weaves in the close relationship between humans and these trees from culinary (Olive Tree), medicinal (Sandalwood) and economic (Ebony). One long extinct tree (Hymenaea protera) continues to reveal secrets of the lives of insects and other small plants and animals that were caught in its amber millions of years ago and are helping scientists to study how these crucial ecosystem creatures adapted to changing climate. Throughout, Lewis captures the beauty and complexities of natural systems and the inherent value of saving them.
The book is available at Arlington County Libraries; or please consider buying a second hand copy.
This content originally appeared in The EcoAdvocate newsletter produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee.
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