Do you know that trees can fertilize plankton that allow the rest of the food chain in the ocean to thrive? Jim Robbins writes about the importance of trees – what we know, what we don’t know and what we take for granted.I was surprised to learn that trees keep the concrete and asphalt of cities and suburbs 10 or more degrees cooler and protect us from the sun’s harsh UV rays.

Intuitively I know I feel better walking in the woods than anywhere else. Apparently, Japanese researchers call this, “forest bath” as a walk in the woods, “reduces the level of stress chemicals in the body and increases natural killer cells in the immune system.”I love that term “forest bath.”

Think about how nurturing a luxurious bath can be. You melt away the stress of the day. And we know that trees give off CO2 creating more life around us.What is something in your world – in your backyard or at work – that nourishes you and you don’t give it the appreciation or attention you could to help de-stress or inspire you?

For me, it IS my majestic trees. I have a dozen very tall and mature pine trees in my front yard. Every time I look outside or open the front door, I feel enveloped by those richly greens. They protect my home. They calm me. They inspire me. Trees matter concretely in my everyday life.