By Carol Fisher Linn
I admit it. I am, and have always been, a tree hugger. In our beloved Ellicottville, we are blessed to be surrounded by trees in every direction. Trees and hills are some of Ellicottville’s greatest charms, no matter the season. Trees are one of our greatest assets with our Allegheny Plateau resplendent with the various colors and shapes and textures of hardwoods like maple, oak, cherry and others. Sometimes, the familiar of these wonders of nature blends into the background. Even when we appreciate their beauty as we drive or walk by, we generally do not stop to bask in the shade, feel the bark, listen to the wind through the leaves, or sit against them and quietly ponder, and appreciate the power they exude.
Our hills are alive, not with the sound of music but with the health promoting vistas that make us all feel good. Trees are magical and it’s a given that trees fight climate change, clean the air, provide oxygen, cool the streets and cities, conserve energy, save water, prevent water pollution and soil erosion, provide a canopy that shields us from UV rays, heal us spiritually and mentally, provide food and wood for energy and building, provide beauty and even increase property values. Certainly, they enhance the quality of our lives. The bottom line is, we don’t really know enough about these magnificent creations of nature.
Now, there is a fun way to learn about plants and trees at our beloved Crown Jewel, Nannen Arboretum. The Nannen Arboretum features 350 plants and trees representing more than 180 species. The exciting news is that the Arboretum has recently implemented a new tree inventory management system known as Plantsoon. This innovative feature offers visitors an interactive experience to access detailed information about the Arboretum’s diverse tree collection.
To use this system simply scan the QR code located on each tree sign with your smartphone camera. Each plant’s unique QR code provides comprehensive descriptions, including details on bark, leaves, cones, fruit, flowers, branch structure, ecological value, wood – derived products and each specific planting requirements such as soil and water needs. Additionally, visitors can view photographs of the tree.
Steve Ward has provided us with the following information about the activities at the Arboretum. Currently there have sixteen active members (volunteers – thank you so much!) that maintain the grounds on Monday Mornings from 9am-noon. Their tasks include mulching, hauling water, spreading wood chips, weeding, pruning, and removing branches.
and trees representing more than 180 species. The exciting
news is that the Arboretum has recently implemented a new
tree inventory management system known as Plantsoon.
This innovative feature offers visitors an interactive experience
to access detailed information about the Arboretum’s
diverse tree collection.
The Nannen Arboretum is a not-for-profit mainly supported by donations that are used to provide this peaceful and tranquil piece of nature in Ellicottville! The space offers the perfect place for a quiet walk, a wedding, or a picnic. The mission of the Nannen Arboretum Society, Inc. is to raise awareness among our residents and visitors about the beauty, diversity and ecologic contribution of trees. Their goal is to educate visitors about trees that they can use in their own landscapes. Reaching further, they do many programs with students that promotes the importance of nature in education.
Once your interest in trees is stirred, you may be interested in picking up the book The Hidden Life of Trees, What They Feel, How They Communicate, by Pater Wohlleben, professional forester in Germany for over twenty years, who believes that trees communicate. In his book, Wolleben lures us into the curious, hidden life of trees with these words: “When you know that trees experience pain and have memories, nurture and talk to each other, and that tree parents live together with their children,” {which includes supporting them through their growing years, sharing nutrients with their sick neighbors and even warning one another of danger}, “then you can no longer just chop them down and disrupt their lives with large machines.” Before you wonder about the credibility of such a book, know it was a 2015 New York Times best seller. Read it and you will see why trees provide us with more than just shade, clean air, filtered water, and food. They also represent strength, life, and courage to hold firm while soaring above the fray, regardless of life’s circumstances. Certainly, a good and timely lesson for us these days.
Please do yourself a favor and go hug a tree.
Scan this QR code with your phone to see how Plantsoon works!
Visit www.nannenarboretum.com • Nannen Arboretum, 28 Fillmore DR, Ellicottville NY 14731