Hello, dear readers! In this issue:

• How trees communicate

• The health benefits of forest bathing (no water required)

• Picnics in paradise

• The 13.2 million pound tree

I recently read a fascinating, passionate novel about trees that continues to captivate me. The Overstory by Richard Powers is an ode to the wonder of nature and its resilience, and an absorbing story about the activists determined to protect our forests. It tells how trees communicate through a vast and intricate network to share resources, nurture their young, or warn of impending threats. The forest's secret language reminds us that cooperation, communication, and mutual support are essential to survival, not only for trees but for humanity as well.

The underground internet

We’re going to delve into a bit of science here, but it’s intriguing.

The most remarkable discovery in forest communication is what scientists call the "wood wide web." This is a massive underground network of fungal threads that connects trees across entire forests. These fungi form partnerships with tree roots, creating a living, breathing internet.

Through this network, trees share resources with remarkable generosity. A healthy tree might send excess carbon to a struggling neighbor, while another shares water during a drought. Phosphorus and other nutrients flow freely through these connections, ensuring that even the smallest seedlings receive what they need to survive.

This remarkable network is also a complex communication system. Trees send chemical, hormonal, and electrical signals through the fungal highways, creating a forest-wide alert system. When a tree comes under attack from insects or disease, it can quickly warn its neighbors, allowing them to ramp up their defenses before the threat arrives.

Air mail

Trees also send messages through the air using chemical signals called pheromones. When a tree detects an insect attack, it releases specific scent molecules that neighboring trees can detect, preparing them to react to an insect attack. They can also attract beneficial insects that prey on the assailants. 

And these pheromones are good for you. These can clear your mind, elevate your mood, reduce stress, and even lower blood pressure.

The wisdom of mother trees

“Mother trees" are typically the oldest and largest trees in a forest. These forest elders act as hubs in the communication network, relying on their extensive fungal connections to support the forest.

Mother trees can also recognize their offspring through the network and show remarkable parental care. They send extra nutrients to their seedlings, increasing their chances of survival in the competitive forest environment.

Related newsletters:

The Magical World Below Us: The Hidden Powers of Mushrooms 

These Feet Were Made for Walking

 Forest bathing (no water required)

Have you ever wondered why time in a forest or any natural setting is so restorative? In a sense, it’s because you’ve connected to the silent networks of the trees and flora around you. Forest bathing is simply spending time connecting with the natural world. Also known as shinrin-yoku, research shows that this ethereal practice can lower blood pressure and production of the fight-or-flight stress hormone, cortisol. And the pheromones released by trees is known to elevate mood. If that’s not impressive, forest bathing can also help:

• Boost the immune system by activating natural killer cells, helping to ward off infections and possibly cancer cells.

• Improve cognition, like creativity, focus, and concentration.

• Benefit cardiovascular health, by reducing blood pressure and pulse.

• Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by taking in the the smells, sounds, and visual delights of the forest.

For more information, watch Shinrin-Yoku » The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing

To find out more about forest bathing or to locate a group near you, visit the Forest Bathing Finder.

A picnic in paradise

Spending quiet time outdoors can be one of the most relaxing ways to connect with nature and enjoy its health benefits. Find a spot under a tree with the music of leaves rustling in the wind. Sit by the water and its calming sounds, while birds fill the air with their song,

We love the idea of a blanket with cushions to sit on, surrounding a beautiful charcuterie board and small Mason jars of gazpacho. Or use your jars to pack colorful, nutritious salads and serve with a hearty whole grain loaf of bread. Many desserts and fruit travel well, so you’ll want to include those to end your picnic on a sweet note.

Picnics seem to be Ina Garten’s passion, so check out her ideas.

The 106-acre tree

Taking a walk through Fishlake National Forest in Utah is an ethereal experience, especially in autumn. The vibrant colors of this heavily-wooded aspen forest spans 106 acres. But it holds a secret. Although it seems filled with thousands of trees, it is actually a single tree known as “Pando.” 

This natural wonder is thought to be even more remarkable; Pando is made up of approximately 47,000 genetically identical stems, all connected by a single, expansive underground root system. 

Pando weighs in at an astounding 13.2 million pounds, making it the largest and heaviest tree by mass on Earth, and one of the oldest: the grove is thought to be between 14,000 and 80,000 years old.

We look forward to building this tapestry of experiences with you.