This Year, Skip the Eggnog and Get Outside
December can be a wonderful time of year, steeped in holiday traditions that emphasize family and celebration. Fulfilling the expectations of those traditions can get a little intense, even for the most organized, thoughtful person. Last year, the American Psychological Association released results of a poll showing 89% of U.S. adults reporting concerns about not […]
Be Thankful for Trees
As we move into November we start to come into the full swing of the holiday season. A time spent with family, friends, pets, and other loved ones. We are surrounded by the comforting smells of delicious foods, unbearable desserts, and the scent of whatever seasonal candle mom found on sale last week. During this […]
Forest Frights
Halloween is fast approaching, and our forests have some inhabitants that are downright spooky. One that immediately comes to mind is bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), aptly named for its root color and appearance of oozing blood when broken. Sanguis is Latin for blood, but in bloodroot is a poisonous resin. The herbal uses and folklore associated […]
Improving Employee Well-being with Exposure to Trees and Nature
Employee attitudes and well-being improves with exposure to nature. Think about it. Every weekday we commute to work, only to be met by a dark cubicle in shades of beige and grey. Ever wonder why your mood starts to match the walls? It’s because workplace environment contributes to employee health. We’ve known this to be […]
Embrace the Outdoors: How Trees Can Enhance Your Health and Well-Being
Spending summertime outside is a great way to reduce stress, be active, and get a dose of vitamin D. However, as enjoyable as the sun can be, it’s important to find some shade to safely enjoy the great outdoors during the hot months. Finding a tree with a shady spot underneath is a perfect way […]
When School Days End, Our Love of Trees Continues
May and June are upon us, and for many, that means graduation, whether it be from high school, college or even pre-school (always adorable!). It’s a time to celebrate accomplishments and to look forward to new chapters in our lives. (Okay…because this is an article for the Healthy Trees, Healthy Live blog, I’d be remiss […]
Urban Trees: Heath and Wealth
Welcome to April, a time when the world wakes up from winter and everything starts to bloom again. You’ve probably noticed the trees in your neighborhood getting all green and flowery—isn’t it lovely? Did you know those trees are doing more than just looking pretty? They’re like superheroes for our health and our wallets. Let’s […]
State Programs Can Help Connect Kids with Nature – for Everybody’s Benefit!
Last year I committed to the 52 Hike Challenge. The goal: Accomplish at least 52 miles on trails outdoors during a single year. During my challenge (which I am repeating this year) I hiked alone, with my dog, with my sister, and with many friends. I love to hit the trail with each and every […]
In Search of Hearts
Each Valentine’s Day, hearts adorn every surface in my hometown of Montpelier,Vermont. A mysterious someone works in the night to plaster the town’s windows,walls, bridges, and steeples with red splashes of a photocopied heart-art. By morning, smiles adorn the day’s commuters, many of whom reach school or work by foot in this tiny town of […]
Forest Bathing and Other Ways to Stay Fit Among the Trees
In Japanese, it is called shinrin-yoku. In English, it is called forest bathing. Forest bathing is a health-promoting practice that allows you to slow down, immerse yourself in a forest, and mindfully use all your senses. You may not exert as much energy as cycling or jogging through the woods, but it still yields some […]