- October 16th, 2009
- Filed under Current Events, Horticulture
This coming Saturday is National Tree Hugger Day. That’s October 17. In the current mood of people embracing all things green and sustainable it seems only right we have a National Tree Hugger Day. This event is not just for tree hugger extremist but rather an opportunity for all of us to show a little appreciation for these plants that bring so much joy into our lives. Not sure how to hug a tree? Here’s a little instructional video.
See? Wasn’t that easy to understand? I bet you are already half way out the door to find a tree to hug. Well go ahead. You can come back later to finish this blog.
Now I could go on and on about how much carbon trees soak up, or how they lower the temperatures especially in urban areas, or how they increase the value of your home. But really, does everything in nature have to do something for us or have economic value as a prerequisite for us to care about it? Can’t we just appreciate the trees for what they are? Do you hug your family and friends so you can get close enough to rummage through their pockets for a few dollars? Really people. I’ll stop ranting now.
A musical interlude to calm my nerves.
National Tree Hugger Day is sponsored by American Forests (a conservation group founded in 1875) and IKEA (a fabulous place to shop founded in 1943). They have been working together on environmental projects since 1998. I have been to forests in America and to IKEA and I can honestly say on both accounts – Loved it!
So now that you have decided you are going to hug a tree where do you find one to hug? I like the idea of hugging one near your own home. You know: Think globally, hug locally. But if you cannot find one near you, or you just can’t stop once you start, then come on over to our trees at the IMA. We have lots of huggable trees. Please be careful not to step on surrounding plants. Bad Tree Hugger! Bad!
We love our trees so much here at the IMA that some of us got an early start this week.
Here Katie hugs a sugar maple by our offices.
Jim hugging an American beech along the horseshoe drive at Lilly House.
Native Hoosier Gwyn with a native Tulip poplar.
Another musical interlude.
Some trees are so large it takes a group to hug them properly. Katie’s out of view. This is our big ash tree near Garden Terrace.
Another group hug on the Sutphin Mall red maples.
So as you can see, one can celebrate National Tree Hugger Day alone or with family and friends. Just be sure to get out there and start hugging.
Of course what tree blog would be complete without this song to get stuck in your head all week-end. Enjoy, my tree hugging friends.
October 17th, 2009 at 1:22 am
you are way too good! i’ll celebrate my hickory w/ its pot-of-gold leaves!
October 17th, 2009 at 9:07 am
I am going out to hug every tree I see today herew on Long Island. After watching and reading your blog Mom is hugging too! Thanks Irvin for the reminder all the love and fun. Loved the photos of IMA hort tree huggers!! See you soon.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Thank you Irvin! This was a fun read, fun pictures and fun videos too. Personally, I think the IMA trees are the prettiest in the whole city! YEAH TREES!
October 17th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
No sequins or Barbies, and yet still very entertaining. I say out with Dick Crum and in with Irvin!
October 19th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Wow! This post generated some response. Pegg, thanks for the kind words. Always remember, I may be too good but you are the best.
Denise – that’s so neat that your mother got into it too. Those Long Island trees are very luvky.
Gwyn – I agree. Our trees are the prettiest.
Chris – I like to think I can survive withour Barbie and sequins if I have too (what a ugly, ugly world though). Glad you enjoyed the blog.