Conclusion

Reversing environmental problems like climate change calls for simple living, sustainability, sanity and a positive optimistic knowing that is doable; starting with our local community and then the planet.

Trees provide hope for everyone’s future if we will awaken and take positive action. A first step to take is to help all people in the community become aware of the importance of trees and their value to life. All people will come to realize that trees are natural gifts that we have received, that we are to enjoy and care for and pass down to our children; and our children’s children. As we learn, help and teach one another we will realize that we are connected to trees and all life forms. We will understand what trees do for the environment and for people, for example, maintaining a balanced quality of air, carbon dioxide and oxygen, in the air we breathe. We will see that tress in fact sustain life for us and the planet. We will have a new respect for trees and will feel one with trees, as with all of nature; with everything and everyone. We will no longer need to dominate and control nature. We will be grateful and view trees in a new way. Trees will “become our view”. They will no longer interfere with views or need to be pruned or removed for views. They will be valued for their beauty and for their purpose and valued as fellow life forms, equal to ourselves. We will remember and once again see trees as we saw them when we were children.

James Camerons’s science fiction story and movie, “AVATAR”, depicts a distant planet where there is a global network of physical and spiritual energy and communication between trees of the forest and all of nature, that people are also connected to. When communicating, people use three words, “I see you”, to describe the connection between one another, meaning, “I see into you” or “I am one with you and I love you”. There is a reverence for all life, especially trees, that are valued for their longevity, wisdom and spirit – similar to some earth cultures who value their elders and ancestors.

James Cameron, who sympathizes with the Brazilian First Nations people who are having their environment destroyed by greed, corporations and government, reminds us to wake up and change the way we live and use science to find sustainable solutions. We need nature to be healthy in order for us to be healthy. We need to be committed and hopeful.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger, (“The Global Forest”, 2010), describes a “dream quest” done by a First Nation’s shaman, in a forest…

“A recent sacred dream of a Hopi elder before his death, was that all people pay attention to the trees of the forests, with a warning of the special life force of trees and the need to respect nature, beginning with trees of the forest, since the web of all life depends on the tree!”

Ms. Beresford-Kroeger goes on to relate a “First Nation’s prophecy for North America which refers to the beginning of the end of Mother Nature, or “Gaia”, when a species of trees – Sugar Maples – are dying from the top down. People will not realize what they have done. But there will be a new generation of children with special gifts, who recognize each other and use telepathy. They will have a common dream and clarity of vision and know what the parents have done and will unite across the planet and change the parents ways and save the planet.”

“We soon must end the greed and begin sustainable management of the planet. The children are here who respect the dignity of all life.” (The Global Forest, 2010)

Positive change begins with each of us. As individuals and as “community planners”, our challenge is to “re-imagine how we perceive the world, our place within it, and our priorities. We create a vision and then act”, (Dr. David Suzuki, 2010). Dr. Suzuki goes on to say, “we can benefit from the traditional First Nation’s knowledge and wisdom regarding sustainability, and managing and protecting complex ecological systems, including trees, plants and animals. We must realize that we are passengers on Mother Earth and have an obligation to our children to pass on a healthy and better world than the one we came into. We need to adopt the traditional First Nation’s perspective on land that we live on. We are “caretakers” of the land responsible to out children’s children. The land is not owned and does not belong to us.” Ownership can also create selfishness, greed, fear and other ego-based problems.

To repeat…. “When we understand the purpose of trees we will value them. Education is key!”

We, as individuals, are responsible for our health and also the health of others in our community, as well as the health of our trees and forests, the greater environment, and the planet. If we fail to act responsibly, or even if we are just slow to act, we, and our descendants, will lose the gift of life on planet Earth. We need to take actions now. If we act now we will change our present course and re-create a livable community with a natural healthy environment, and a variety of trees; especially tall native trees.

Finally, in my vision of our future, happy, healthy community of White Rock, I see each of us having compassion for, and an appreciation and understanding of the Earth, the environment, air, waters, lands, trees, plants, animals and people. I see us moving into a positive future where everyone including teachers, artists, philosophers, futurists, scientists, engineers, imagineers, planners and designers, helps create a community with a restored natural balance and Biodiversity, that works with and connects with nature – especially trees. I see a future that has homes and buildings and means of transportation that are people, environment and tree-friendly. I see us then in gratitude and in oneness. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one… I hope some day you’ll join us and the world will be as one” (“Imagine”, by John Lennon, 1971).