Most  people think that trees are pretty and we all love to see spring come and all of the fresh young leaves emerge.  But do we really appreciate all that trees do for our planet?   Today is Arbor Day and Arbor Day, like Earth Day, is dedicated to helping our planet stay healthy.  

It is said that the first tree planting celebration was held in a small village in Spain in 1805 by a priest, don Ramon Vacas Roxo who was, according to his chronicles, convinced of the importance of trees for health, hygiene, and the benefit to the environment. Then, in 1872 J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and secretary of the Nebraska Territory proposed a tree planting holiday to be called "Arbor Day" in the U.S.  It is estimated that more than one million trees were planted that Arbor Day by the schoolchildren of  the state.  Birdsley Northrop globalized the celebration when he visited Japan in 1883 with his message of the importance of trees and, in 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt issued an "Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States" on the importance of planting trees.  Now the tradition to observe Arbor Day or a celebration of planting trees has spread throughout the world.

Carbon dioxide is building up in our atmosphere and heating our world.  We need trees to survive!  Trees absorb CO2 and release the oxygen that we need back into the air.  In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people and absorb the amount of CO2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.

Trees heal!  It has been proven that patients with views of trees out their windows get well faster.  Trees protect us and shield us from ultraviolet rays; trees provide food, not only for humans, but also for birds and wildlife; trees have medicinal properties and many of our health remedies come from trees; trees help to prevent water pollution and soil erosion; trees provide food, protection and homes for, not only people, but also animals and birds.

Last but not least, trees are our teachers and playmates.  Whether as tree houses for children or spiritual retreats for adults,  trees have provided the space for human spiritual wellbeing throughout the ages. Let's celebrate by planting a lifesaving tree for our planet!

Mimi from the Lae Lae collection

As I am writing this, it's Earth Day 2015 and I received a lovely reminder in my email inbox (see below).  It reminds me of how connected our world is.  What happens in one part of the world circles the globe and affects everything (and everyone) else.  

Earth Day began on April 22, 1970 and it is now an important day in our calendar when we reflect on our planet and what we can do to keep it healthy.  Children around the world celebrate Earth Day and it is now recognized by over 192 countries.  In the United States, many notable things would not exist if not for Earth Day. Things such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act exist in the U. S. today because of Earth Day. 

In the last 50 years, we've consumed more natural resources than in all previous history combined, according to Eco Cycle (http://ecocycle.org/ecofacts).  We need to reverse the trend.  We can change things with earth friendly habits.  We just need to be aware of opportunities to "do good for Mother Earth" to pass on a healthy earth to generations to come.

There are many things that we can do to celebrate Earth Day.  Many small gestures can make a big difference.    

Make a game out of each idea below and the children will enjoy participating while learning wonderful, earth friendly values.
     Remember to "recycle, reuse, repurpose":
     Recycle old toys to others instead of throwing them away 
     Donate used clothing to someone in need or sponsor a clothing swap 
     Plant an organic home garden that the whole family can enjoy and give the extra produce to others to enjoy 
     Plant a tree or some colorful flowers for bees and hummingbirds (be sure to plant species suited to your area)
     Organize a community, park or beach cleanup party
     Recycle old books and magazines for others to enjoy
     Start a compost bin for foods scraps and a recycle bin for used items that can be recycled.
     Turn off the lights and water when they are not needed
     Turn the heating or cooling system to a energy efficient temperature
These are but a few of the things that we can do for the planet. There are many others.

And last, celebrate Earth Day by taking a walk outside in the fresh air and looking with new appreciation at the wonderful world that we have.  Let's make every day an Earth Day!

Just recently my family experienced one of those remarkable, magical days. It was a Saturday and sheets of soft mist floated into the wind at a visible angle. The temperature hovered in the lows 60s. Grey skies, with  low hanging clouds, indicated this slow moving rain would linger through the afternoon. On the spur of the moment, we decided to explore our local World Birding Center and Scenic Wetlands. Its usual withered, hot, and humid habitat was replaced by an English drizzle suffusing the flora a radiant emerald green and awakening slumbering blossoms. It was captivating! 

Over the last eighteen months, there had been improvements and large scale installations on the 40 acre park. Most impressive among them was the large pagoda tucked into the undergrowth and surrounded by swampy water. This feature was named Dragon Fly Pond. To reach its baldachin, one had to walk across a wooden gangplank. As we ventured into its depths, we saw a regal bird standing in the water. It was the exotic Yellow Crown Night Heron, said to be elusive by park employees. It froze as we approached and then took flight into the lower branches of a tree, hopping branch-to-branch higher into the canopy. It is thrilling to witness fauna in its natural habitat. A rush sweeps over me as I try to capture the experience with my little pocket camcorder. 

We wind our way through the park delighted with each new discovery. My daughter, clutching her umbrella while wearing a raincoat, was reminiscent of the Morton Salt girl. We saw Wild Olive trees in full bloom, enormous Texas Sabal Palms, and Huisache trees nestled in with Shrubby Blue Sage, Dove Croton, and the nefariously named Snake Eyes. The list of native trees, shrubs, and ground cover can be found in the birding center, and carrying the informative pamphlets helps elevate the experience. In addition, identification and information markers are placed throughout the trails.

One of the most romantic and exciting parts of the trail came in the form of a nature made tunnel. Branches and vines entwined themselves from both sides of the path and formed above one's head a luscious, leafy dome cocooning the trail for more than fifty feet. Upon approaching the verdant underpass, one was made giddy at the idea of venturing in the darken passage. For my daughter, there was apprehension and the need to take her father's hand before mounting the courage to walk inside. The walk through had a mystical quality to it, almost as if we were taking a portal to another time and place.

It was a splendid day, a restorative day that left one feeling satisfied and content in the present moment. So simple, yet monumentally beautiful. Gratitude expresses it best. I am grateful to have shared this exceptional life affirming experience with my loved ones. How fortunate we are to have this park so near to home. What a wonderful way to teach my children about preserving and caring for the Earth and all her creatures. That spontaneous decision to venture out into the rain and explore mother nature awakened the child inside me. I left feeling blissfully happy.


by Chelse Benham (Lae Lae Team Member)

Looking for a fun project to do with children?  Mask making can be fun for all ages at different skill levels.  For children, they can be party masks or animal masks for play acting.  Making masks is a fun way to learn about other cultures, create a character or express emotions...or just let your creativity run wild!  For my expressive arts program I bought white plastic masks and then decorated them.  These were mainly done by me but I let the children tell me what they wanted me to add for decoration.  They painted the glue on the masks (very thin craft glue or Mod Podge®), and then sprinkled the glitter and helped me attach the tissue paper, feathers, flowers and pipe cleaners.  These are three of the more elaborate ones that we made.  All of these supplies can be gotten from any craft store or party store.  Many ideas for mask making can also be found on the Internet.  Templates are available which can be cut out for fantasy creatures for play acting.  Even paper plates can be used to create simple masks.  Masks are wonderful for holidays, parties, special occasions or just for a rainy day project.  It's endless fun and a wonderful way to express imagination.