Forest Bathing
Spend some time with trees this summer. Whether it’s in your backyard, a nearby park, or on a hike in the woods. Use all your sense to take in what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste (just the air, please) around you. Use all of your senses to absorb your tree surroundings even if it’s just a few trees. After you take some time (about an hour) to forest bathe, notice how you feel. More relaxed? Happier? You are not alone. Scientists have found that spending fifty minutes among trees reduces anxiety, depression, stress, and lowers blood pressure. Yes, trees are good for you.

Planting Trees
You can be good for trees too. Maybe you don’t see many trees near you. You could plant a tree or . . .a forest. Some urban areas are planting tiny forests in cities. Organizations such as Natural Urban Forests and others can help you get started. If planting a forest seems daunting, connect with a local organization that plants trees. You could search online using the name of your city or town, “tree planting,” and “volunteering” to find a local tree planting project.

Reading Beneath Trees
Once you finish planting trees or forest bathing, find a book to read beneath a tree. Maybe you could read a book about trees, such as Forest Talk, to learn more about ways you can help trees, forests, and our Earth.