It seems funny to me that we have a day especially dedicated to the love of trees. However, tomorrow—May 16th—is just that: National Love a Tree Day.

Are all kids born with a fascination for trees? I know I was; in my experience, it was almost as if trees called out to me, begging to be explored. I can’t say why. Perhaps a fear of heights that drove me to defy it?

I vividly remember climbing our mulberry tree one sultry summer afternoon, and happily stuffing myself with nice, juicy mulberries. When my dad saw my berry-stained hands and face, he chuckled and told me to take a bowl of them into the house and soak them in salt water. After seeing what crawled out, I don’t believe I ever did that again … the experience didn’t stifle my love for trees, though!

My children also love exploring trees. They hang hammocks and tarps to claim their spot, then spend long hours reading, swinging, and playing among the branches. Whether they serve as a pirate’s ship, a play house, or the peak of the circus big top, trees have long broadened the imaginative world of the young or young at heart.

Countless young ones have dreamed of having their own tree house … a shady sanctuary on long summer days, and the perfect location for adventures, secret clubs, and sleepovers. A tree house just feels like a private hideaway from everyday life. These days, there are whole television shows devoted to the most amazing, elaborate tree houses (and some of the incredible examples they’ve featured will just about leave you speechless … you should definitely take a minute to check them out).

Aside from entertainment, trees are beneficial in many ways. Most obviously, they provide both habitat and food for wildlife. They also provide shade; planting them around your home can dramatically lower your electric bill. Evergreens also make great wind-blocks, which can be very important if you live in certain areas of the country!

Trees help combat air pollution. They absorb carbon dioxide, as well as other harmful gases, while at the same time giving off oxygen. According to NC State University, one large tree produces enough oxygen each day to supply four people with the oxygen they need to survive for 24 hours.

Trees make our world a more beautiful place. Imagine a park with no trees. A walk or jog in the open air with no trees around? What a bleak existence! I’ve never lived in a large city like New York, but even there, trees are valued enough that the city set aside land for Central Park. Trees also absorb sound, so I imagine it’s quite the popular place in a bustling city like that … almost as if you’re entering a whole new world, away from the hustle and bustle, the skyscrapers and sea of pavement, stone, and asphalt.

So, how does one celebrate Love a Tree Day?

• Take a hike in your nearest national forest. (If you aren’t sure if there’s a national park nearby, you can check here to locate the closest one.) Pack a picnic and find a nice shade tree, spread a blanket out, kick off your shoes, and relax. Turn your phone off and listen to absolutely nothing but the birds and wind.
• Find a spot to plant a tree. The Arbor Day Foundation will send you ten small trees (you can choose from several different varieties) when you become a member for 6 months, at a total cost of just $10.
• Learn some interesting facts about trees. For example:
  • Did you know there are over 60,000 different species of trees on our planet?
  • What about the oldest living tree … did you know its location is kept secret? Somewhere nestled in the California White Mountains, there stands a bristlecone pine tree named Methuselah, which is estimated to be about 5,000 years old! WOW! That is truly amazing, isn’t it?!?
  • The world’s tallest trees are the California redwoods, which grow to over 300 ft. tall. The world’s tallest living tree to date is a redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) named Hyperion. It was discovered in 2006 and stands a whopping 379.7 feet tall!
• Check your local library and find fun books to read. I’ve recently discovered the Crinkleroot series by Jim Arnosky, and I adore it. A little dwarf-like, treehugger of a man takes children on nature adventures. The books are quite educational.

Love A Tree Day seems like an occasion worth celebrating, doesn’t it? At the very least, I hope you’ll observe it by walking outside, looking up at the nearest tree, and thanking God for making such a marvelous plant to bless your neck of the woods.