What do you think?
Rate this book
The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plan to Save the Planet
The Man Who Planted Trees is the inspiring story of David Milarch’s quest to clone the biggest trees on the planet in order to save our forests and ecosystem—as well as a hopeful lesson about how each of us has the ability to make a difference.
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. The second best time? Today.”—Chinese proverb
Twenty years ago, David Milarch, a northern Michigan nurseryman with a penchant for hard living, had a vision: angels came to tell him that the earth was in trouble. Its trees were dying, and without them, human life was in jeopardy. The solution, they told him, was to clone the champion trees of the world—the largest, the hardiest, the ones that had survived millennia and were most resilient to climate change—and create a kind of Noah’s ark of tree genetics. Without knowing if the message had any basis in science, or why he’d been chosen for this task, Milarch began his mission of cloning the world’s great trees. Many scientists and tree experts told him it couldn’t be done, but, twenty years later, his team has successfully cloned some of the world’s oldest trees—among them giant redwoods and sequoias. They have also grown seedlings from the oldest tree in the world, the bristlecone pine Methuselah.
When New York Times journalist Jim Robbins came upon Milarch’s story, he was fascinated but had his doubts. Yet over several years, listening to Milarch and talking to scientists, he came to realize that there is so much we do not yet know about how they die, how they communicate, the myriad crucial ways they filter water and air and otherwise support life on Earth. It became clear that as the planet changes, trees and forest are essential to assuring its survival.
Praise for The Man Who Planted Trees
“This is a story of miracles and obsession and love and survival. Told with Jim Robbins’s signature clarity and eye for telling detail, The Man Who Planted Trees is also the most hopeful book I’ve read in years. I kept thinking of the end of Saint Francis’s wonderful prayer, ‘And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.’ ” —Alexandra Fuller, author of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
“Absorbing, eloquent, and loving . . . While Robbins’s tone is urgent, it doesn’t compromise his crystal-clear science. . . . Even the smallest details here are fascinating.” —Dominique Browning, The New York Times Book Review
“The great poet W. S. Merwin once wrote, ‘On the last day of the world I would want to plant a tree.’ It’s good to see, in this lovely volume, that some folks are getting a head start!” —Bill McKibben, author of Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
“Inspiring . . . Robbins lucidly summarizes the importance and value of trees to planet Earth and all humanity.” — The Ecologist
“ ‘Imagine a world without trees,’ writes journalist Jim Robbins. It’s nearly impossible after reading The Man Who Planted Trees, in which Robbins weaves science and spirituality as he explores the bounty these plants offer the planet.” — Audubon
This book was printed in the United States of America on Rolland Enviro™ 100 Book, which is manufactured using FSC-certified 100% postconsumer fiber and meets permanent paper standards.
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. The second best time? Today.”—Chinese proverb
Twenty years ago, David Milarch, a northern Michigan nurseryman with a penchant for hard living, had a vision: angels came to tell him that the earth was in trouble. Its trees were dying, and without them, human life was in jeopardy. The solution, they told him, was to clone the champion trees of the world—the largest, the hardiest, the ones that had survived millennia and were most resilient to climate change—and create a kind of Noah’s ark of tree genetics. Without knowing if the message had any basis in science, or why he’d been chosen for this task, Milarch began his mission of cloning the world’s great trees. Many scientists and tree experts told him it couldn’t be done, but, twenty years later, his team has successfully cloned some of the world’s oldest trees—among them giant redwoods and sequoias. They have also grown seedlings from the oldest tree in the world, the bristlecone pine Methuselah.
When New York Times journalist Jim Robbins came upon Milarch’s story, he was fascinated but had his doubts. Yet over several years, listening to Milarch and talking to scientists, he came to realize that there is so much we do not yet know about how they die, how they communicate, the myriad crucial ways they filter water and air and otherwise support life on Earth. It became clear that as the planet changes, trees and forest are essential to assuring its survival.
Praise for The Man Who Planted Trees
“This is a story of miracles and obsession and love and survival. Told with Jim Robbins’s signature clarity and eye for telling detail, The Man Who Planted Trees is also the most hopeful book I’ve read in years. I kept thinking of the end of Saint Francis’s wonderful prayer, ‘And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.’ ” —Alexandra Fuller, author of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
“Absorbing, eloquent, and loving . . . While Robbins’s tone is urgent, it doesn’t compromise his crystal-clear science. . . . Even the smallest details here are fascinating.” —Dominique Browning, The New York Times Book Review
“The great poet W. S. Merwin once wrote, ‘On the last day of the world I would want to plant a tree.’ It’s good to see, in this lovely volume, that some folks are getting a head start!” —Bill McKibben, author of Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
“Inspiring . . . Robbins lucidly summarizes the importance and value of trees to planet Earth and all humanity.” — The Ecologist
“ ‘Imagine a world without trees,’ writes journalist Jim Robbins. It’s nearly impossible after reading The Man Who Planted Trees, in which Robbins weaves science and spirituality as he explores the bounty these plants offer the planet.” — Audubon
This book was printed in the United States of America on Rolland Enviro™ 100 Book, which is manufactured using FSC-certified 100% postconsumer fiber and meets permanent paper standards.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2012
129 people are currently reading
1481 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
December 19, 2025
Like Wangari Maathai's Challenge for Africa and Suzanne Simard's The Mother Tree, this book is a cri de cœur to plant a tree, save the forests that remain, honor the life and lungs of the planet not just for their sake but for our own. Gawd can we please wake up to the catastrophe we are inflicting upon Mother Nature?
Good science writing with an important message.
3 1/2 stars
Good science writing with an important message.
3 1/2 stars
April 24, 2012
The world may never have the "grove of champion trees" it once had but it won't be because of Jim Robbins and the people he has written about. Their efforts are chonicled in this disturbing view of our world today and the treeless future of tomorrow. Just as frightenng is the domino effect occurring daily around the world due to our indifference and inaction in re-foresting the planet. This book is heralded as "the book that may save our planet" and when one reads this, one will know the truth behind that claim. Thanks for opening our eyes Mr. Robbins!! I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and will be sharing it often as well as contacting some of the agencies documented as to how I can get involved.
May 27, 2012
Many people disagree about the concept of global warming. Some don't believe that global warming even exists, while others disagree on the cause. Whether you agree with global warming or not, however, it is becoming quite clear that all is not as it should be. Into this fray steps a most unique man, David Milarch. He is the creator of a company called Archangel, which is attempting to clone the oldest trees for replanting. His belief is that our earth, and therefore all living beings, are much more dependent upon the trees than we've ever guessed. He also believes that the trees we have left today are the runts, the ones leftover when all the biggest and strongest were taken. How Milarch came to this belief, and the science that seems to support this theory more and more, make for fascinating reading.
Jim Robbins has crafted a book that should be required reading for everyone. He takes a subject that could be considered alternately crazy and boring and makes it compulsively readable. Interspersed between the science and the story of Milarch is information about some of the trees that have been so important to our earth, both factual information and stories about some of the biggest of the species. I truly did not want to put the book down, and so much of it (though nothing I would have thought of before) makes so much sense. Some of the book seems on the fringes of what many people would be willing to accept, but within the context of the book seem truly possible.
This is a book that I will keep on my shelves, and will recommend friends and family read. Even if the only thing they take away is that we need more trees, then I believe that will be a positive for everyone.
Jim Robbins has crafted a book that should be required reading for everyone. He takes a subject that could be considered alternately crazy and boring and makes it compulsively readable. Interspersed between the science and the story of Milarch is information about some of the trees that have been so important to our earth, both factual information and stories about some of the biggest of the species. I truly did not want to put the book down, and so much of it (though nothing I would have thought of before) makes so much sense. Some of the book seems on the fringes of what many people would be willing to accept, but within the context of the book seem truly possible.
This is a book that I will keep on my shelves, and will recommend friends and family read. Even if the only thing they take away is that we need more trees, then I believe that will be a positive for everyone.
May 7, 2012
The book is a combination of science of trees and forests, the lack of research completed on trees and forests- the great unknowns, David Milarch and his near death experience that lead him to attempt to clone all the Champion Trees in the world, and the sad state of our planet. It reads like a story, was quick and easy to understand, all the scientific information is presented in an easy to understand format. The spiritual aspects are the basis for Milarch's mission and it's well known that trees have been held in spiritual terms by many thorough out the world; it is part of the story. This book, however, is part science, part biography, part opinion, part environmental call for help; it seems at times to pull in too many directions, stepping away from the adventures of Milarch’s mission, which should have been enough for a book. This broader range may allow for more readers, but the title and the jacket copy might scare away some readers. Overall, I learned some things, I was reminded of my love of trees, and found it appropriate to finish reading it under my plum tree in the shade on a sunny spring day.
Rec'd this as a good reads giveaway.
Rec'd this as a good reads giveaway.
February 27, 2012
I received this book in a Good Reads First Giveaway.
I really enjoyed Mr. Robbins writing style and easily made it through this book over a weekend. I agree with a previous reviewer - I'm concerned that the only people who would read it are those that already share similar concerns or viewpoints.
Conversely, I liked that the book blended hard scientific research with the more "spiritual". I thought the balance played to a wider audience although I can see how those on either side of the argument could use that approach to discount this book.
Overall, a good book with interesting thought provoking sentiments.
I really enjoyed Mr. Robbins writing style and easily made it through this book over a weekend. I agree with a previous reviewer - I'm concerned that the only people who would read it are those that already share similar concerns or viewpoints.
Conversely, I liked that the book blended hard scientific research with the more "spiritual". I thought the balance played to a wider audience although I can see how those on either side of the argument could use that approach to discount this book.
Overall, a good book with interesting thought provoking sentiments.
January 9, 2016
TL;DR: a reasonably compelling environmental narrative, but don't expect good science.
This was an enjoyable read, for the most part, and has some fascinating information about various species of trees. You really get a sense of urgency about the plight of the world's forests, and a compelling case is made for more research and concentrated planting efforts. It did feel at times like the author was trying to accomplish lots of different things, and he didn't always manage to make it feel cohesive.
The bigger problem for me, though, was that the author presents some pretty questionable hypotheses as though they were scientific fact. This made me feel like I couldn't trust ANY of his discussions about science, which was frustrating. Especially since my edition of the book has a slightly different subtitle which includes the phrase "the science of trees." If you have a high tolerance for things like homeopathy, spiritualism, NDEs, etc, you will probably really enjoy this book. I do not, and so I found it difficult going at times. There's still lots of good info, and it's an interesting read, but know that you'll have to take it with a few dozen grains of salt.
This was an enjoyable read, for the most part, and has some fascinating information about various species of trees. You really get a sense of urgency about the plight of the world's forests, and a compelling case is made for more research and concentrated planting efforts. It did feel at times like the author was trying to accomplish lots of different things, and he didn't always manage to make it feel cohesive.
The bigger problem for me, though, was that the author presents some pretty questionable hypotheses as though they were scientific fact. This made me feel like I couldn't trust ANY of his discussions about science, which was frustrating. Especially since my edition of the book has a slightly different subtitle which includes the phrase "the science of trees." If you have a high tolerance for things like homeopathy, spiritualism, NDEs, etc, you will probably really enjoy this book. I do not, and so I found it difficult going at times. There's still lots of good info, and it's an interesting read, but know that you'll have to take it with a few dozen grains of salt.
September 27, 2024
When I saw The Man Who Planted Trees listed on Goodreads, the description of David Milarch's near death experience being the catalyst for the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive intrigued me, but I thought it might include more new age spirituality than I was interested in reading. Author, Jim Robbins described David Milarch's near death experience and encounter with "light beings" only as a vehicle to introduce the project and then went on to relay some fascinating information about trees that was new information for me, and I'm a tree lover (evidenced by the last three live Christmas trees that I've planted). There's a great Ted video featuring David Milarch, but it only shares a fraction of the information included in the book. Just as David Milarch says, "It's only important if you want clean air to breathe and water to drink."
November 22, 2012
A complex story, told simply and clearly. Actually it's three stories, interwoven. First,is the almost unreal story of the man who started cloning and planting champion trees around the world. Then, there's the story of trees and our relationship with them, on this earth. And finally, the amazing story of new scientific discoveries about trees - incredible facts that are not general knowledge, but have significant importance to the health of every one of us. Guarantee to make you look at every tree with a new appreciation and kinship after reading this book.
September 12, 2016
Amazing, inspiring. Makes me appreciate trees and forest even more, not to mention the will and spirit of David Milarch. You should read this book!
April 6, 2019
Of course I know forests are important. But I had no idea what else our trees do for us and the planet. This is a must read.
February 28, 2015
The part about trees was interesting and informative. The spirituality part was pretty hard to stomach. The book was a gift and I'm glad I read it but be prepared for some strange motivation behind it.
April 21, 2018
This is so good, and everyone should read it and plant trees
January 27, 2021
Absolutely incredible. A copy of this should’ve delivered to every school and every government in the world.
April 6, 2024
Very interesting.
September 19, 2018
This book was an awesome read. It explains the basic science of trees and then goes in depth to show how much an impact they have on the world and how little we truly know about them. This is a real life story of a man from Northern Michigan who began to clone the greatest trees to ever exist in an attempt to help save the planet.
October 28, 2012
This book took my breath away.
We all know what "survival of the fittest" means: that only the strongest, most vital, most excellent members of a species prevail, and so the gene pool is enhanced, the runts do not propagate as often so their weaker or defective genes eventually are culled, and the species as a whole becomes stronger in relation to the environment in which they live. "Survival of the fittest" does not occur in a vacuum; species depend on the quality of the ecosystem in which they are embedded for their survival. A simple example: Humans depend on living trees, for one, to produce the oxygen that we must breathe if we are to survive for less than an hour.
The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plan to Save the Planet presents a stunning, massively important idea: That humans are rapidly killing off the strongest trees, leaving only the runts to grow back. It is survival of the fittest in reverse: the trees we leave behind are not the same as the strong ones we fell, but the weakest, the ones less capable of surviving the onslaughts of predators and disease. Whole forests are now dying due to these inherited genetic weaknesses.
In ensuring only the weakest trees survive, we humans are cutting our own windpipes. It's not a matter of just planting more trees; it's a matter of preserving and planting the strongest trees. But how will we do that when all those trees are gone?
Although the situation could be more dire than most of us realize, this book is a hopeful one. Through the cloning of "champion" trees, as David Milarch (the man who planted trees) advocates, we can hope the genes of the strongest living trees can be preserved. But planting any trees is better than planting none at all. This book will inspire you to get involved in whatever way you can to preserve our forests for our children and grandchildren. Our own survival really does depend on it.
We all know what "survival of the fittest" means: that only the strongest, most vital, most excellent members of a species prevail, and so the gene pool is enhanced, the runts do not propagate as often so their weaker or defective genes eventually are culled, and the species as a whole becomes stronger in relation to the environment in which they live. "Survival of the fittest" does not occur in a vacuum; species depend on the quality of the ecosystem in which they are embedded for their survival. A simple example: Humans depend on living trees, for one, to produce the oxygen that we must breathe if we are to survive for less than an hour.
The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plan to Save the Planet presents a stunning, massively important idea: That humans are rapidly killing off the strongest trees, leaving only the runts to grow back. It is survival of the fittest in reverse: the trees we leave behind are not the same as the strong ones we fell, but the weakest, the ones less capable of surviving the onslaughts of predators and disease. Whole forests are now dying due to these inherited genetic weaknesses.
In ensuring only the weakest trees survive, we humans are cutting our own windpipes. It's not a matter of just planting more trees; it's a matter of preserving and planting the strongest trees. But how will we do that when all those trees are gone?
Although the situation could be more dire than most of us realize, this book is a hopeful one. Through the cloning of "champion" trees, as David Milarch (the man who planted trees) advocates, we can hope the genes of the strongest living trees can be preserved. But planting any trees is better than planting none at all. This book will inspire you to get involved in whatever way you can to preserve our forests for our children and grandchildren. Our own survival really does depend on it.
September 5, 2017
David Milarch decided (with the advice of supernatural beings - I'm ok with that - perhaps he had a dream and wasn't really visited by angels) to clone the world's oldest trees.
One of the trees that is memorable for me is "Methuselah" a Bristlecone pine Pinus longaeva. This tree is 4,800 years old and is the oldest living tree in the world. Because I love all things Czech, I was happy to hear that a clone of this tree is in the renowned 500-year-old arboretum at Charles University in Prague. I was also pleased to hear how happy Milarch was too. "Einstein went there!" he exclaimed of the university. Now I want to go see "Methuselah, Jr.".
I like the story about another "man who planted trees", Dr. Ralph Chaney. In 1949, Chaney travelled to an isolated valley in China to gather seeds of a tree that was thought to be extinct - Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides. He was thrilled to find a living dinosaur. Now it grows all over the world and I'm glad to say I saw this tree at UBC.
Some other interesting facts that I would like to remember:
Willows and poplars are planted to clean up toxic waste. This is called phytoremediation.
The Pacific yew Taxus brevifolia fights cancer (Taxol).
Ireland's forests are almost all gone. I think this is so ironic because the ancient Irish (Druids) worshipped trees.
Also in Ireland, the story of the tree that stopped construction of a highway, a Common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna aka "the Latoon fairy tree". I looked it up and it is also known as may, mayblossom, maythorn, quickthorn, whitethorn, motherdie, and haw.
I enjoy books that make me want to look stuff up on the internet and make me add more books to my "Want to Read" list and this book is certainly in that category.
One of the trees that is memorable for me is "Methuselah" a Bristlecone pine Pinus longaeva. This tree is 4,800 years old and is the oldest living tree in the world. Because I love all things Czech, I was happy to hear that a clone of this tree is in the renowned 500-year-old arboretum at Charles University in Prague. I was also pleased to hear how happy Milarch was too. "Einstein went there!" he exclaimed of the university. Now I want to go see "Methuselah, Jr.".
I like the story about another "man who planted trees", Dr. Ralph Chaney. In 1949, Chaney travelled to an isolated valley in China to gather seeds of a tree that was thought to be extinct - Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides. He was thrilled to find a living dinosaur. Now it grows all over the world and I'm glad to say I saw this tree at UBC.
Some other interesting facts that I would like to remember:
Willows and poplars are planted to clean up toxic waste. This is called phytoremediation.
The Pacific yew Taxus brevifolia fights cancer (Taxol).
Ireland's forests are almost all gone. I think this is so ironic because the ancient Irish (Druids) worshipped trees.
Also in Ireland, the story of the tree that stopped construction of a highway, a Common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna aka "the Latoon fairy tree". I looked it up and it is also known as may, mayblossom, maythorn, quickthorn, whitethorn, motherdie, and haw.
I enjoy books that make me want to look stuff up on the internet and make me add more books to my "Want to Read" list and this book is certainly in that category.
May 30, 2012
a bit of a wack idea, cloning all the north american champion trees, to both save those particular genes, and to plant and spread trees, big trees. the idea being that champion trees, like the sadly recently demised wye oak in maryland (the dang thing covered over 35 acres!!), has something special about them that they were/are the biggest, bestest examples and have survived for the last 3000-500 years or so, even survived our euro onslaught of saws, concrete, acid rain etc etc.
that isn't so strange, i don;t think (nor do most scientists and foresters, though why they haven't already done this i don't know) but what is strange is that the dude who is doing all this collecting, cloning and planting is milarch, who got the idea to do this by dying and the angels told him to go back to life and earth and save the trees. hmmm...
one gripe i have is the rather short change the author (jim robbins, writes for vanity fair, smithsonian, etc) gives to Wangari Maathai, nobel prize for peace winner from kenya who started a "green belt" program to help her country believing that more trees meant better earth health which means better people health and prosperity. she only got a small passing mention. but anyway, good book about trees, forests, earth/human health and prosperity, genes, and champion tress. what's not to like?
that isn't so strange, i don;t think (nor do most scientists and foresters, though why they haven't already done this i don't know) but what is strange is that the dude who is doing all this collecting, cloning and planting is milarch, who got the idea to do this by dying and the angels told him to go back to life and earth and save the trees. hmmm...
one gripe i have is the rather short change the author (jim robbins, writes for vanity fair, smithsonian, etc) gives to Wangari Maathai, nobel prize for peace winner from kenya who started a "green belt" program to help her country believing that more trees meant better earth health which means better people health and prosperity. she only got a small passing mention. but anyway, good book about trees, forests, earth/human health and prosperity, genes, and champion tress. what's not to like?
April 16, 2019
This was a generally enjoyable and fairly quick read about David Milarch and his quest to clone champion trees around the world.
I enjoyed the style of the writing, and it was a short enough book that I felt compelled to finish. My favorite parts were the short vignettes about individual champion trees that were interspersed throughout the book.
I was disappointed at the quality of the science presented in the book. This is coming from someone with a background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and genetics, so perhaps take it with a grain of salt, but the author was very loose with some of his descriptions. I understand that part of the book is meant to be about the religious and supernatural feelings that trees can evoke, and that's totally fine. My primary issue was that the author didn't draw a clear line between established science and outright quackery, with digressions into easily debunked pseudoscientific drivel like water memory. This was disappointing because I think it diluted the overall message of the book: forests are important, preserving genetic diversity is important, the climate is changing and natural systems will need to adapt. If you are someone who doesn't mind deep dives into near death experiences, homeopathy, and other questionable science, perhaps you will enjoy this book more.
I enjoyed the style of the writing, and it was a short enough book that I felt compelled to finish. My favorite parts were the short vignettes about individual champion trees that were interspersed throughout the book.
I was disappointed at the quality of the science presented in the book. This is coming from someone with a background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and genetics, so perhaps take it with a grain of salt, but the author was very loose with some of his descriptions. I understand that part of the book is meant to be about the religious and supernatural feelings that trees can evoke, and that's totally fine. My primary issue was that the author didn't draw a clear line between established science and outright quackery, with digressions into easily debunked pseudoscientific drivel like water memory. This was disappointing because I think it diluted the overall message of the book: forests are important, preserving genetic diversity is important, the climate is changing and natural systems will need to adapt. If you are someone who doesn't mind deep dives into near death experiences, homeopathy, and other questionable science, perhaps you will enjoy this book more.
April 3, 2017
This was a very interesting read in more ways than one! There is the 'perhaps unbelievable' story of how John Milarch came to make his mission cloning Champion Trees in an attempt to save the trees and thereby the planet, the incredibly sad statistics and history of the killing of our forests, and the story of other scientists, numerous trees and forests; all makes for an excellent read that I would recommend to anyone. In the past I wouldn't have thought that everyone needs to be aware of such statistics and history but once we realize how each of us can help save our environment I believe we are each responsible to educate ourselves, make decisions and change our lifestyle. For example one may not consider the small patch of green grass that most home owners maintain as a threat to our environment but when all these yards filled with turf is added up it makes an incredible impact on the environment, from our water system to the ecosystem where native plants are not available for the bugs and microbes (sorry, I'll use that word as I can't think of the correct terms) that are a necessary chain in the ecosystem. The focus of this book stays with the trees which after reading this book are even far more impressive "creatures" than I ever imagined!
April 14, 2014
This wonderful,concise and persuasive book will open your eyes to how trees sustain the planet (you might think you know, but you don't really know -- unless you're already an expert) and how we must try to better understand all that they do, and of course quit chopping them down, before we lose all they provide. Indeed, we're already losing many of the benefits trees confer, a tragedy in motion that we see through the eyes of the "man who planted trees," an impassioned self-taught arborist and recovering alcoholic from Michigan. He wants to save the genetics of champion trees across the globe. I'll spare you any spoilers about how well he succeeds, and how he became a nut for trees. (Heh!) As we learn about the values of trees, and just visit some cool places, we're treated to concurrent narrative about how the most destructive species on earth (take a bow) has abused and under-appreciated them; making this a sort of real life companion to The Giving Tree.
February 10, 2012
I won a copy of this and look forward to reading it.
This book tells how urgent and important it is that we take care of our forests and especially the oldest trees as they do more for us than we know. They are our caretakers, our elders, our connection to life. We have so much to learn from them and with all the logging and clearing that has taken place we have lost some vital links to our future. I do think that trees are sacred and this book has taught me things that I did not know about trees before and just how important they are to us. This book should be read by every child in school. Amazing.
This book tells how urgent and important it is that we take care of our forests and especially the oldest trees as they do more for us than we know. They are our caretakers, our elders, our connection to life. We have so much to learn from them and with all the logging and clearing that has taken place we have lost some vital links to our future. I do think that trees are sacred and this book has taught me things that I did not know about trees before and just how important they are to us. This book should be read by every child in school. Amazing.
December 11, 2012
A nice collection of essays about the importance of tree planting. Even for people who are familiar with the topic, there are one or two new ideas here. The author's admirable dedication to the issue is evident.
January 21, 2015
Interesting story and interesting facts about trees. Illustrates how little we know and how much we have still to learn about our fast disappearing trees and forests.
February 9, 2018
Would you like some Woo with your Woods? Wow. The woo runs through this book like sap through a tree, but I loved it in spite of that. I'm not a New Age kind of person. Or even religious. So when, for instance, the author talks uncritically about two foresters, one of whom calls on "devas" to surround the top of a cutting (which they are hoping will sprout and take root) with white light and its base, where the roots will be, with green light; and the other forester asks his men's Bible group to pray that the cuttings will take root . . . well I don't have a dog in either of those races, and think of both belief systems as quaint, if not bizarre, when applied this way. It's fascinating that this field should attract people who are, so to speak, metaphysically gifted. The theme runs throughout the book, and reaches its apex in the chapter, Mystics and Freethinkers.
In spite of all that, I loved the book. Those of us who don't hold those beliefs we can still be grateful that these folks are doing the work they are doing to restore forests that they love as well as the rest of us. If you've ever seen a Redwood or Sequoia, you may have a sense of where the awe and spiritual esteem in which they are held comes from. This is not a book for those who only see board feet when they see a forest. I love walking in forests, and love the novella/parable by Jean Giono after which this book is named. As a climate hawk, I'm also aware that a lot of carbon might be removed from the atmosphere by reforesting the planet, and that there would be no downside to doing so. More beauty is always welcome, like more truth or goodness.
Robbins does an admirable job of letting these heroes of the forests that may rise again have their say about their motivations. I wanted more balance from the scientific community's perspective, but the author indicated that not much research has been conducted, so the only lights by which we have to see, for the most part, are those brought by folks who love and work with and know trees from their own experience – and who have some (IMHO) kooky ideas they've gathered along the way.
Bottom line: if you are concerned about the forest fires and bark beetle and Dutch Elm destruction, and the lost beauty of woods you've known, you can learn here about some good people who are doing serious work to try to reverse the loss of forests, and you can find a way to help them. If you are of a scientific bent, perhaps you can lend your expertise to the enterprise.
In spite of all that, I loved the book. Those of us who don't hold those beliefs we can still be grateful that these folks are doing the work they are doing to restore forests that they love as well as the rest of us. If you've ever seen a Redwood or Sequoia, you may have a sense of where the awe and spiritual esteem in which they are held comes from. This is not a book for those who only see board feet when they see a forest. I love walking in forests, and love the novella/parable by Jean Giono after which this book is named. As a climate hawk, I'm also aware that a lot of carbon might be removed from the atmosphere by reforesting the planet, and that there would be no downside to doing so. More beauty is always welcome, like more truth or goodness.
Robbins does an admirable job of letting these heroes of the forests that may rise again have their say about their motivations. I wanted more balance from the scientific community's perspective, but the author indicated that not much research has been conducted, so the only lights by which we have to see, for the most part, are those brought by folks who love and work with and know trees from their own experience – and who have some (IMHO) kooky ideas they've gathered along the way.
Bottom line: if you are concerned about the forest fires and bark beetle and Dutch Elm destruction, and the lost beauty of woods you've known, you can learn here about some good people who are doing serious work to try to reverse the loss of forests, and you can find a way to help them. If you are of a scientific bent, perhaps you can lend your expertise to the enterprise.
June 13, 2019
This book tells the adventures of David Milarch, a Michigan nurseryman who, following a near-death experience, began a quest to locate and save genetic material from some of the oldest and healthiest trees in the world, or “Champion Trees.”
Robbins’s tone is urgent, as it should be. 90% of old-growth forests around the world are already gone. Years of “forestry” practices that focus on lumber rather than actual trees have left us with a shocking amount of unknowns when it comes to forests. Climate change has left trees most vulnerable to drought and pestilence when, because of extreme weather and rising temperatures and massive deforestation that has taken the biggest and best specimens, we need them the most. His writing highlights the interdependence of trees with both their immediate surroundings and with the planet as a whole, explaining the vital work performed by trees in filtering pollutants from the air and water, stabilizing temperatures and rainfall, trapping carbon emissions, releasing powerful medicinal chemicals into the ecosystem, and reducing erosion.
I much preferred Robbins’s scientifically slanted memoir/love letter to trees to Milarch’s brash, over the top, spiritual quest. But despite finding Milarch and his story off-putting, you can’t argue with his zeal and his results: he has traveled the world and cloned some of the world’s oldest trees, including an 4,800-year-old bristlecone pine and an Oriental plane tree known as the Hippocrates Tree, beneath which the father of medicine is said to have taught his students. He’s one guy with limited funding and has managed to accomplish so much to reforest and restore biodiversity; it is an enormously important project that benefits everyone, and I am grateful.
Robbins’s tone is urgent, as it should be. 90% of old-growth forests around the world are already gone. Years of “forestry” practices that focus on lumber rather than actual trees have left us with a shocking amount of unknowns when it comes to forests. Climate change has left trees most vulnerable to drought and pestilence when, because of extreme weather and rising temperatures and massive deforestation that has taken the biggest and best specimens, we need them the most. His writing highlights the interdependence of trees with both their immediate surroundings and with the planet as a whole, explaining the vital work performed by trees in filtering pollutants from the air and water, stabilizing temperatures and rainfall, trapping carbon emissions, releasing powerful medicinal chemicals into the ecosystem, and reducing erosion.
I much preferred Robbins’s scientifically slanted memoir/love letter to trees to Milarch’s brash, over the top, spiritual quest. But despite finding Milarch and his story off-putting, you can’t argue with his zeal and his results: he has traveled the world and cloned some of the world’s oldest trees, including an 4,800-year-old bristlecone pine and an Oriental plane tree known as the Hippocrates Tree, beneath which the father of medicine is said to have taught his students. He’s one guy with limited funding and has managed to accomplish so much to reforest and restore biodiversity; it is an enormously important project that benefits everyone, and I am grateful.
August 6, 2024
This is a short book at just 214 pages, but NOT a fast read. It's very deep, fascinating and eye opening stories and studies require thought, pauses, and more than a few rereads. I felt to really immerse yourself in the information provided, which was much, I needed to take it slow, spend some time really reflecting on the magic, mystery, and supernatural ability of the earth's trees; And more than a few moments of sorrow, and a few tears over what we have destroyed, prevented and been stubborn to accept. I was inspired and amazed repeatedly while reading this. It goes way beyond 'forest bathing' benefits, it is deeper and much more than the understanding of the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange symbiotic relationship we have with trees. I was convinced while reading this that God indeed had it right, He created perfection in the Garden of Eden and He provided for ALL our health and wellness needs with the trees and plants there. And of course we messed it up and continue to do so. I have some hope in the work that some are doing and I love the idea of the champion tree project. There are so many things we can fix in our earth by reading this, learning our duty and jumping in!
This is a book I will not donate to the free library, I will not bag it up to go to the library book sale. I will keep it, reread it, remind myself, try my best.
This is a book I will not donate to the free library, I will not bag it up to go to the library book sale. I will keep it, reread it, remind myself, try my best.
December 31, 2020
Taking into account my basic lack of knowledge about trees—this book's message is VERY clear: trees will be one of the things that will save the planet.
Trees are indispensable! Just the fact that trees filter the air we breath and the water we drink should be enough to convince even the most stubborn climate deniers that we need more trees.
The man in the title is David Milarch. Originally from Michigan, David had a life changing experience and has since devoted his life to cataloging old growth trees.
Genetics figure into his strategy for saving the planet, because he senses that, in the coming decades, humans will need to re-populate the earth with hearty trees that can resist warming and other environmental threats.
The forests that we see, and that we currently have, David says, are runts-- inferior to what the planet started with. Basically, the biggest and oldest trees on the planet have been cut down. We still have some majestic giants, but with each passing year, habitat loss, drought—and even vandalism—take a severe toll.
So, our trees—beyond what we take from them—are life giving. For the damage we do, trees restore equilibrium. They are our lungs. They are sacred. And, trees are one of the most basic tools that we can employ in our work to heal the planet.
Trees are indispensable! Just the fact that trees filter the air we breath and the water we drink should be enough to convince even the most stubborn climate deniers that we need more trees.
The man in the title is David Milarch. Originally from Michigan, David had a life changing experience and has since devoted his life to cataloging old growth trees.
Genetics figure into his strategy for saving the planet, because he senses that, in the coming decades, humans will need to re-populate the earth with hearty trees that can resist warming and other environmental threats.
The forests that we see, and that we currently have, David says, are runts-- inferior to what the planet started with. Basically, the biggest and oldest trees on the planet have been cut down. We still have some majestic giants, but with each passing year, habitat loss, drought—and even vandalism—take a severe toll.
So, our trees—beyond what we take from them—are life giving. For the damage we do, trees restore equilibrium. They are our lungs. They are sacred. And, trees are one of the most basic tools that we can employ in our work to heal the planet.
October 5, 2017
An inspiring story of a man and his team's efforts to reforest the planet with clones of the largest trees they can find. Simply and clearly written, the story of Mr. Milarch's quest is also interspersed with chapters dedicated to the stories of specific tree species that have been significant to humans throughout history. One unexpected chapter was the incredibly moving story of the early Euro-American's deforestation efforts of the coastal redwoods. The book also delves into the larger roll that trees play for the survival of humans and by extension the habitability of the entire planet. Through the book we find that science is just starting to reveal how human beings are much more dependent upon trees than was ever thought. Lastly, I'll add that I'm not big on believing in NDE's, but I applaud the incredibly important work that Mr. Milarch's and his team are performing. Whatever the source of his motivations may be, his is work is desperately needed. I loved this book and would recommend it to any tree lover, conservationist or budding forest bather.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews