Why Care About Trees?

Trees are an essential part of life all over the world. They're beautiful, they provide us food and oxygen, and they're a key part of any ecosystem. From the wild creatures of the Amazon Rainforest to busy humans in bustling cities, we're all dependent on the role trees play in our communities.

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Environmental Roles

Trees are a significant part of our environment. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen essential to life on Earth. Furthermore, they improve air quality, making them a key component of any city. Trees ensure that despite the air pollution caused by vehicles and other polluters, people can still breathe and live safely. Also, trees serve as shelter to the many critters that choose to inhabit them. The next time you walk by a large tree, look up and try to spot all the wildlife that inhabit it.

Community Roles

The presence of trees in our communities brings quality to our lives. Trees make our cities aesthetically pleasing, and they add an essence of nature to our urban infrastructure. Our streets, playgrounds, and parks are adorned with trees that create a peaceful atmosphere, encouraging outdoor activities with family and friends.

Trees in Philadelphia

Since its founding, the city of Philadelphia has valued trees due to their environmental, cultural, and symbolical significance. Trees have improved public health, created a multitude of beautiful green spaces, and several serve as memorials to historical events in the city. However, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, unregulated agriculture took a toll on the tree population, eliminating many of Philadelphia's forests. It was only later in the 21st century that local, regional, and state organizations worked together to protect tree regions.

Trees in Danger

Despite efforts over many years, trees all around the world are still mass destroyed to make room for agriculture and animal grazing, and to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction. Deforestation organizations such as Rainforest Action Network and Amazon Watch are fighting back against deforestation but it's the help of individuals in their own communities that has the potential to create never before seen change. Look out into your own community and see if there's a great spot to plant a tree or maybe a developing tree could use your help to grow. This is a great place to start.

Explore Philadelphia!

Want to explore the many trees of Philadelphia? There are many great places in the city to do so. Click below to learn more!

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