During summer heat waves, the city becomes a desert. We sometimes are left to go days without a drop of water! People drink right in front of us without so much as a thought to share. And worse, others water their sidewalks, driveways and lawns but forget about us. Even if it rains, cement, asphalt and concrete are terrible at absorbing and holding in the moisture long enough for us to get to it.
And we all suffer when air quality becomes an issue. Have you ever heard of an asthmatic arbor? Lucky for me I was given opposable thumbs and mobile roots - one day I may just head up to cottage country and find a place with my extended family. But for now my role is clear – I have to share the plight of my brethren in the urban forest.
Out in the street, conservation is sometimes talked about as if it’s only about preserving untouched forests – the ones out there, but not here at home. Just take a second to look around you and think of what conservation could mean to all of us who shade your streets. We are connected, after all, and strengthening both the forests afar and the ecosystems at home means good news for our planet.
Some of us may look a little frumpy, but we all earn our keep – just count up the environmental, physical and psychological ways we make the city more livable! Me and the buds, we’re home to butterflies, birds and bees– and just as each piece of wildlife serves a special function, every leaf has a role to play. And those squirrels, raccoons and rabbits - where would they go if not for our branches to nest in and roots to borough under? In the hot summer sun, who cools you down? And what would you do this fall if we all went on strike? Imagine a colourless autumn!
Not every tree can live in High Park, or the Rouge Valley, but we’re all living things. Like you, we want a better future for our offspring. This is why we trees need you to be our champions – help connect the network of street trees, green roofs, and grassy islands, strengthen existing green spaces, and offset that sea of concrete that heats our city to undesirable extremes. So how about it: will you help us out? You can become a Tree Tender and improve the urban forest for us all!
Since 2010, Barkley has been the official mascot of LEAF, frequently attending festivals, stewardship and other special events on behalf of the urban forest. Look for Barkley at upcoming LEAF events. Do you have a photo of Barkley that you would like to share? Put it up on the LEAF facebook page!