Talking on the Stump

Words From Judson Newbern

Board Member of Nashville Tree Conservation Corps

Tree Preservation Now More Important Than Ever

  Last February, Nashville writer, Margaret Renkl, made an appeal to humanity in her opinion piece that I find impossible to ignore. The "thinking globally - acting locally" maxim - in this case, through taking steps to preserve Nashville's existing mature trees - has become even more critical since her message was delivered. If devastating tornadoes and mankind at an unprecedented standstill don't register the need to respect the environmental forces at work on this small planet - then what will it take?  

The very air we breathe was charged with oxygen from plants as early life began - and nothing better sequesters the over abundance of carbon than trees. The only force more enduring seems to be our ability to self-justify the most convenient way to meet our immediate needs.

Cutting mature trees relegates the vitality of millions of living cells filtering air and water, that took decades to accumulate on a parcel of land - to decaying matter that releases its carbon back into the atmosphere. This - often only to add more dollars to a few individual's bottom line - is frequently the case without municipal restrictions to require a more measured approach. Yes, planting new trees is critical; but building a community culture that values retaining our majestic mature trees must also be an urgent goal. 

Nashville stands at a major crossroad in determining what quality of life it will offer in the years ahead. Please find your voice and let the elected officials of this city know that preserving our natural environment, as so beautifully articulated in the writings of Margaret Renkl, is indeed a priority in shaping this city's future. Having a robust tree canopy is a central part of that equation. "