Op-ed from Arbor Day Foundation President, Dan Lambe - A Break from the Noise on Arbor Day

LINCOLN, Neb., April 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It seems like it gets harder and harder to find something that people can agree on. Across dinner tables, neighborhoods, communities and the nation, there is an apparent divisiveness over many issues that draw out passionate debate. You see these emotional opinions expressed in the newspapers, on television, in social media feeds and in daily conversations. After a while, this barrage of negative name calling and conflict can be exhausting. 

Fortunately for all of us, it is April. The month of Arbor Day and the time to celebrate trees. Is there anything less divisive than the beauty and value of trees? Most everyone can agree that planting trees is important and brings positive benefits to our lives regardless of demographic, political party, gender or age. 

Arbor Day is a break from talk about filibusters, fake news, public opinion poll numbers and the bitterness we see and hear all too frequently. 

Arbor Day is a chance to think about the future. A chance to talk about planting and caring for trees today that will yield benefits for generations to come. A chance to focus on the positive and the inspiring. A chance to unite over the common appreciation for the power and beauty of trees and nature. 

In a time when facts are constantly questioned, the benefits of trees serve as absolute truths. And we cannot take them for granted. Future generations are relying on us to not take them for granted.

This is because trees give back so much. In our yards, they provide shade, reduce energy costs and increase property values. Along our streets, they reduce stormwater runoff that can carry pollutants to our waterways. Throughout our communities, they improve the mental and respiratory health, reduce crime, break up heat islands, create jobs and boost the economy. In our forests, they restore critical wildlife habitat, provide opportunities for recreation and maintain healthy watersheds to protect drinking water resources for millions of Americans. And no matter where they're planted, trees are working hard to filter pollutants out of our air and water, sequester carbon, release oxygen and provide immeasurable beauty and serenity that feed the human soul.

We are blessed with beautiful and important forest lands across the nation. Communities large and small work to heighten the importance of the care and nurturing of trees in our cities which are our community forests. These forests include the beautiful shaded parks, tree-lined avenues and inviting leafed canopies that serve as a natural green infrastructure bringing economic and conservation benefits to cities every day. 

Arbor Day is that one day every year reminding us to think about all that trees do for us — a day for reflection and for action. On April 28, communities across the country will to come together to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. We invite you to set differences aside, grab a shovel and make a positive impact in your community by planting a tree. 

Dan Lambe
President, Arbor Day Foundation

SOURCE Arbor Day Foundation

Related Links

http://www.arborday.org