XXVII

Building Dreams

Welcome to the Twenty-Seventh Edition of Forestme!

Forestme Fam! Welcome to another edition of our green journey. Let’s see what’s growing this week. In this edition, we find out “Mike’s article”. Also, “What is Permaculture and its benefits?” It’s a real game changer everyone can do.

That's not all—there are some sneaky secrets scattered throughout from Cultural Significant Trees to Eco Trivia gems. So, get reading, as we weave through the fascinating world of trees and nature.

Welcome to the green world of Forestme!

In this week’s newsletter, we will be looking into:

  • Social Synthesis

  • To Plant! Or…Not to Plant!

  • Top 5 Culturally Significant Trees from Around the World

  • Cultivating Harmony with Nature

  • Eco Trivia Trek

  • Quote of the Week

Happy reading!

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Social Synthesis

90,000 Trees planted in Australia!
This project planted koala food trees and rainforest trees to establish a wildlife corridor across private land in northern New South Wales. By linking fragmented patches of habitat, the project seeks to create safe passageways and connect existing colonies to promote population growth.
Follow the link below to find out more.

To Plant! Or…Not to Plant!

The tree-planting community is weird, wild, and wonderful!
People jump into this gig for all sorts of reasons: cash, a sense of purpose, or maybe just to escape the real world for a bit.
It's a love/hate gig. You'll figure out real quick if you're cut out for the long haul or if you're gonna be the one ghosting by lunch on your first day.

I stumbled upon this gem on the r/treeplanting subreddit recently:
OP (original poster) asked, "Do a lot of folks bail early on?"
And, "What makes 'em wanna throw in the towel?

"The replies?
A mixed bag of war stories from grizzled vets and tales of woe from those who couldn't hack it past the first coffee break.
The consensus? Tree planting isn't for the faint of heart.
But that’s not good enough for someone who’s on the fence about starting.
So, I sifted through the entire thread and came up with a list—straight from the planters themselves.

From the “let’s bail” camp:
This job will chew you up and spit you out if you're not ready for the grind.
It's like being the new kid at school, but you're stuck in the woods.
Mother Nature doesn't play nice.
Counting on making bank? Better be ready to plant like your life depends on it.
It's all fun and games until someone throws out their back.
Not everyone's idea of a good time involves mud up to their armpits.
Life happens. Sometimes you gotta bail.
A bad boss can ruin even the best job.
Thought it was going to be a walk in the park? Think again.

But, for every reason to quit, there's a reason to stick it out:
You'll get better. Promise.
The tree planting fam is a weird, wonderful bunch.
You'll come out tougher than a two-dollar steak.
The stories you'll tell, folks won't believe.
You'll be in the best shape of your life.
There's gold in them thar hills (if you plant enough trees).
You'll pick up skills you never knew you needed.
Overcoming the suck is part of the appeal.

Bottom line, simply stepping onto that block will change you forever!
And we highly recommend sticking around to the end of the season.
Even if it’s a one-and-done.
You'll walk away with something, guaranteed.

These are the top 3 reasons to stay:
How to live, work, and thrive with a bunch of strangers.
Say hello to your new tree-planting bod.
Find out who you are when you're stripped down to the basics.

So, whether you're in it for the long haul or just passing through, tree planting will leave its mark on you.

Good luck!
PS: Click here to see the original subreddit!

Top 5 Culturally Significant Trees from Around the World

  1. The Bodhi Tree, India:

    • Located in Bodh Gaya, India, the Bodhi Tree is believed to be the sacred fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. It holds immense significance in Buddhism and attracts pilgrims from around the world.

  2. The Oak of Dodona, Greece:

    • The Oak of Dodona, located in ancient Greece, was revered as an oracle tree by the ancient Greeks. It was believed to possess prophetic powers, and people would visit the tree to seek guidance and wisdom.

  3. The Kauri Tree, New Zealand:

    • The Kauri Tree, native to New Zealand, holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous Māori people. These majestic trees are considered sacred and are often associated with ancestral connections and spiritual beliefs.

  4. The Ceiba Tree, Central and South America:

    • The Ceiba Tree, also known as the Tree of Life, is revered by indigenous cultures across Central and South America. It is believed to connect the earthly realm with the heavens and is often considered a symbol of creation and spiritual renewal.

  5. The Yggdrasil, Norse Mythology:

    • In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is the World Tree, an immense ash tree that connects the nine realms of Norse cosmology. It symbolises the interconnectedness of all things in the universe and serves as a central element in Norse mythology and cosmology.

Cultivating Harmony with Nature

Ever heard of a farming system that's more than just planting and harvesting? Welcome to the world of permaculture – where sustainability, efficiency, and harmony with nature reign supreme.

What's Permaculture All About?
Permaculture isn't your run-of-the-mill farming gig. It's a design system that mimics the patterns and relationships found in nature to create sustainable ecosystems. From food production to building design, permaculture integrates various elements to work in synergy, aiming for self-sufficiency and minimal environmental impact.

The Art of Permaculture in Action
Picture this: a thriving garden bursting with life, where every plant has a purpose, and every element plays a part. In permaculture, diversity is key. From planting guilds to polycultures, each component supports and enhances the other, creating a resilient and productive ecosystem.

But it's not just about plants. Permaculture extends to water management, energy systems, waste reduction, and even community engagement. Rainwater harvesting, composting, and renewable energy are just a few examples of how permaculture principles can be applied beyond the garden.

The Perks of Permaculture
Why bother with permaculture, you ask? Well, for starters, it's a game-changer in the sustainability department. By working with nature rather than against it, permaculture promotes soil health, conserves water, and reduces the need for harmful chemicals.

But the benefits don't stop there. Permaculture also fosters biodiversity, providing habitats for wildlife and creating resilient ecosystems that can withstand environmental challenges. Plus, it's a win-win for both people and the planet, offering nutritious food, community connection, and a more fulfilling way of life.

Joining the Permaculture Movement
Ready to dive into the world of permaculture? Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a backyard gardener, there's something for everyone in the permaculture playbook. From permaculture courses and workshops to online resources and local community gardens, there are plenty of ways to get involved and start implementing permaculture principles in your own patch of paradise.

Cultivating a Greener Future
As we embrace permaculture principles, we're not just growing gardens; we're sowing the seeds of a more sustainable and resilient future. So, let's roll up our sleeves, dig in the dirt, and join the permaculture revolution – because when we work with nature, the possibilities are endless.

Watch a short video here for a deeper look into starting or designing your own permaculture garden.

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Eco Trivia Trek

The Quaking Aspen's Secret Colony:
Quaking Aspen trees often appear as individual trees, but underground, they're interconnected through a single root system. This interconnected network called a "clone," can create vast colonies of genetically identical trees spanning hundreds of acres.

The Baobab's Water Storage Abilities:
Baobab trees, native to Africa, have adapted to survive in arid environments by storing water in their massive trunks. In fact, some Baobab trees can hold thousands of liters of water, which they use to endure long periods of drought.

The Ghost Tree's Hidden Glow:
The Ghost Tree, or Albizia saman, native to Central and South America, possesses a unique trait – its leaves fold together at night, resembling a ghostly figure. Additionally, some species of Albizia trees exhibit bioluminescence, emitting a faint glow at night.

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver."

Martin Luther

Read it. Share it. Spread the good vibes!

Reach out here.

Until next time,

Cheers from the Forestme Team, Hazar!!!