The trees are finally in full bloom in their light green shades. As a New Englander, I have a great appreciation for trees. They provide oxygen for our lungs, shade on hot days, and food on special occasions. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the forest and exploring our symbiotic relationship to the trees.
Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor
This is a web edition of GBH's The Deep Dive, a weekly newsletter bringing you the best GBH has to offer.
Step Into the Forest
NOVA: Secrets of the Forest
“We’re excited to bring NOVA audiences Secrets of the Forest, which follows one scientist’s quest to find out how forests could play a big role in the effort to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and potentially help cool the planet. It turns out, the key is not just about trees, but the complex web of life that keeps forests healthy — and turns them into powerful carbon-sucking machines.”
- Julia Cort and Chris Schmidt, NOVA Executive Producers
Watch NOVA Secrets of the Forest here.
Wonders of Mexico: Forests of the Maya
Now, let’s take a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, home to the Maya. This forest is rich in wildlife, including monkeys, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds. Discover the secret underworld.
Overview: Inside the Fight to Save an Ancient Forest
We traveled south, and now, let’s travel north. In British Columbia on First Nations territory, a small band of forest defenders are risking life and liberty to protect some of the last remaining ancient forests. See what they’re doing.
Tunes for Your Forest Walk
Trees and Forests in Classical Music
Now, it’s time for you to venture out into the forest. To accompany you on your journey, we have a playlist for you. Throughout history, many classical music composers included trees and forests in their artistic output. Listen to their works here.
And a Post-Walk Treat
New Scandinavian Cooking: Flavors of the Eternal Forest
After your forest walk, you most definitely deserve a treat. Get inspired by Scandinavian cuisine from the comfort of your home. Host Andreas Viestad visits the town of Hønefoss in the woods of Eastern Norway, where he makes lunch for a group of hunters. Then, he investigates the origins of one of his favorite Norwegian potatoes, a small and strange, but tasty crop from Ringerike. Try a taste of the forest.
Art Inspired by Forests
Secluded Forest by Bob Ross
We took a look at forest-inspired food and music. Now, let’s see how trees have inspired pieces of art. On a vertical canvas, Bob Ross paints the deepest, darkest place in the forest. It’ll send your imagination soaring. Follow along or relax to the sound of paint strokes.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: Black Forest Wood Sculpture
Check out Ken Farmer’s appraisal of this Black Forest wood sculpture, made from one piece of wood. See how much this sculpture is worth.
Meet the Forest Experts
Our Green Heart: The Soul and Science of Forests
Let’s hear from the forest experts. First, we have world-recognized scientist and visionary, Diana Beresford-Kroeger. In her eyes, forests are cathedrals that present humanity with numerous divine gifts, including the source of the planet’s potential salvation. Our Green Heart is Diana’s latest book, in which she challenges us all to dig deeper into the science of forests and the ways they will save us from climate breakdown. Learn how you can protect our forests.
The Science Behind Outdoor Relaxation
America Outdoors host Baratunde Thurston meets with Amy Donnell, a scientist researching the effects of spending time in the outdoors on the brain. Find out why it’s good for you to go outside.
#ViralVibe
A presidential executive order is calling for the elimination of federal funding for public media. This would be a crippling blow for the millions who rely on PBS KIDS for quality, educational, commercial-free content. See and share the post on how you can help.
