It’s the time of year when we really appreciate the trees around us — the bright green against the brilliant blue skies, the cool shade to shelter us from the late summer sun, the sound of raindrops on the leaves ... and we don’t have to rake yet.
This week, we are exploring these stately beauties, from the redwoods to petrified forests, “forest bathing” and even a leaf-inspired quilting project. And while you get in the spirit of things, you can enjoy a preview of an upcoming GBH documentary The Forest in the Trees, premiering October 1.
Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor
Getting to Know Trees
Giants Rising
Journey into the majestic redwood forests and learn the story of the tallest living things on earth. They are sure to take your breath away.
What Does Fossiliferous Mean?
Host Samantha Brown continues her adventures along Route 66 with a truly unique stop: Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park. Get to know more about the unusual fossils found there.
Why Do Some Trees in the Tropics Not Have Rings?
Growth rings on trees can measure time, allowing scientists to date things from the deep past. But in this short clip from Particles of Thought learn why some trees have no rings at all.
Trees and Forests on the Bookshelf
CAI gets recommendations from a naturalist and a librarian for books that feature trees. Find the next book for your reading list!
NOVA: Secrets of the Forest
Forests offer an amazing network of trees, fungi, and creatures large and small. NOVA brings us deep into these fascinating settings.
Can Ancient Wisdom Save the Forests?
See how an Indigenous community in Wisconsin is using traditional knowledge to help save the forest. Host Baratunde Thurston tells the story.
Under a Leafy Canopy
Have You Tried Forest Bathing?
New studies suggest that spending time in nature, especially among trees, offers benefits to both mental and physical wellbeing. Another reason to spend some time in nature. Spending time in the forest with your dog may provide even more benefits. Windows to the World host Willem Lange tells us how.
Hike Through the Foliage of the White Mountains
Weekends with Yankee heads into the mountains of New Hampshire with photographer Cait Bourgeault.
Visit the Redwood State
Hike the north coast of California through national parks that reflect the region’s unique ecosystem. Marvel at the majestic redwoods.
Quilts Inspired by Leaves
Learn how to make this three-block quilt that features falling leaves, patchwork chains, and a pieced border. Get stitching!
Recipe of the Week
Spicy Stir-Fried Broccoli with Sichuan Peppercorns
How could we choose anything but broccoli when we’re writing about trees? Enjoy this tasty side dish from Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television.
I Am the Lorax. I Speak for the Trees.
* Why is Massachusetts planting trees in 25 cities across the Commonwealth? Learn about the Greening the Gateway Cities project.
* The Curiosity Desk looks at efforts to foster tree canopies in all of Boston’s neighborhoods.
* Can we help save the environment by paying homeowners to protect their trees? The Family Forest Carbon Project thinks so.
* Scientists are using genetic engineering to try to bring back the once dominant American chestnut tree.
* And in another restoration effort, U.S. Forest Service staff are injecting elms with a killer fungus in order to save them.
Off Topic
1. There have been many unusual cocktail trends over the years. The Culture Show explores the new pickle cocktail boom.
2. Gloria Steinem had a profound impact. Margery Eagan talks about how the journalist and feminist activist influenced her life.
3. CRB Classical went to the Boston Children’s Museum to see how music makes kids feel. What did they think of “Flight of the Bumblebee”?
