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Tree History

Trees are the oldest living things on Earth and have been an important part of every human civilization. Trees have been used as a resource for shelter, food, and fuel, but also for tree houses, telephone poles, and boats, and as inspiration for artists and poets. Most people can recall a tree or a forest that was important to their life. Children can interview their parents or grandparents about trees they remember from their youth or adulthood. Was there a favorite tree growing near their home? A tree they used to climb or swing on? One that was home to birds or other animals, or produced a fragrant blossom in the spring? Collecting this information can be a lot of fun and can involve creative writing, or collecting oral history on audio or video tape. Children can also research famous people and their connections to trees such as the founder of Arbor Day and Johnny Appleseed. In addition, children can investigate which trees play on important role to them now and to their community.