The Tale of Trees
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There is magic in trees.
They say, "once upon a time the great trees knew one another." They say, "trees have a spirit that can be seen if the moon is right." Learn about trees, what they do for the planet, how wildlife depends on them and that people do too. The best part, learn how to be a tree guardian. |
Advice from a tree
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Family Tree Dance |
Family Tree Song |
Intriguing Tree Facts
5. Trees are able to communicate and defend themselves against attacking insects by flooding their leaves with chemicals called phenolics. They signal other trees danger so they can start their own defence.
6. Pine cones have genders. Male pine cones shed pollen and female pine cones make seeds. 7. "Knock on wood" comes from the Celtic tradition to knock on trees to call upon the protective spirits (faeries). 
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1. Trees are the longest living organisms on Earth, and never die of old age. The Old List is a database of ancient trees. California’s White Mountains is over 4,800 years old.
2. A large tree can use over 300 litres of water in a day 3. Planting trees saves energy. They provide shade in the summer and a windbreak in winter. 4. “Moon trees” were taken to the moon in 1971. After orbiting the earth with the Apollo 14 mission, they returned to earth to be planted. 
8. A tree can absorb up to 20kg of carbon dioxide each year
9. Pine trees grow on six of seven continents, with only Antarctica left out. 10. Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves. 11. Trees help save water by slowing and filtering rainwater and protecting the underground aquifers. |
The Magic of Trees
Ever wondered what happens to a tree spirit when the tree is cut down? |
Dryads are the tree spirits from Ancient Greek Mythology. They guard a tree and are said to be heard mourning if their tree should be cut down, in some stories they punish the woodcutter.
The root word Drys in Greek translates to “oak.” The original Dryads were thought to live with oak trees. Artemis, the Goddess guardian of the forest was the protector of Dryads. Dryads were companions to the hamadryads, who were the spirit of the trees. If the tree died, the hamadryad died as well. |
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Kingshuk Tree Story
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The language of the trees
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A strong and mighty tree
A morning poem
This poem has been a staple for our morning circle that came to us from Steiner school. We say it together, standing strong like a tree, reaching our branches up high. The beginning and end of the poem is said with strong voices while stomping our feet down to the earth. |
I am a strong and mighty tree,
No howling winds will conquer me. My roots reach deep into the ground, They hold me up, I won't fall down. My trunk is strong and straight and sound. My bark is skin that wraps around. My branches reach up into the air, A home for birds from everywhere. My leaves reflect the shining light, They glisten in the sunshine bright. My flowers blossom blissfully, they offer nectar to the bee. I am a strong and mighty tree No howling winds will conquer me |
Tree life cycle
The life cycle of trees
A tree could drop thousands of seeds. Most of these seeds won't grow into trees. Some will become food for birds or insects or fall where the ground isn't suitable for a tree to grow. It might be too shaded, too dry, too hard, or too crowded.
Some seeds find the perfect place to grow. That means it will might find soil with just enough sunlight.
Some seeds find the perfect place to grow. That means it will might find soil with just enough sunlight.
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1) Seeds
Trees start from seeds. Many take a long time to sprout. Some will sprout after a year, some like to wait until it is very cold before they germinate, others need fire. 2) Germination Seeds contains an embryo, a group of cells that grows roots, a stem and leaves. The seed becomes moist and then the embryo grows in a process called germination. 3) Sprout The roots will develop and push out and down into the soil to make sure the new plant can get water. Then the stem cells stretch up to display the first leaves. |
4) Sapling
A young tree with a tender trunk 5) Budding The tree begins to bud where new blossoms will grow 6) Blossoming The mature tree blossoms with flowers and leaf foliage 7) Fruits After Blossoming, the tree has been pollinated and fruit begins to grow. |
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Pine treeTrees can be very slow growing.
This video shows a Pine Tree growing from seed. Time has been sped up so you can see something that happens over years, happening in just a few moments. |
Types of trees
Different types of trees
Deciduous Trees
Evergreen Trees
Why do some trees lose their leaves? |
There are two main types of trees: deciduous and evergreen.
Deciduous trees lose all of their leaves for part of the year. In cold climates, this happens during the autumn so that the trees are bare throughout the winter. In hot and dry climates, deciduous trees usually lose their leaves during the dry season. Evergreen trees don't lose all of their leaves at the same time, they always have some foliage. They lose their leaves a little at a time with new ones growing to replace the old. A healthy evergreen tree is never completely without leaves. |
Trees and water
Trees help save water
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Some trees guzzle a lot of water, but the truth is, trees save water.
During Storms trees slow down rainfall on their leaves. They absorb and filter water in the soil while holding stream banks in place with their roots. Trees improve water by lowering soil erosion and trapping debris and contaminants. Drought tolerant trees need less water and don't need to be watered once they become established. Support the trees and the soil by adding mulch around your garden. This will keep your soil moist and reduce the need to water so much. |
Parts of a tree
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Roots
Roots grow underground. Trees have a lot of roots, they are usually as big as the part of the tree you see above the ground. This supports the tree as it takes a lot of roots to hold up a big tree! The main job of the roots is to collect water and nutrients from the soil. Crown The crown is made up of the leaves and branches at the top of a tree. The crown shades the roots, collects energy from the sun and removes extra water to keep the tree cool. Leaves Leaves make food for the tree. They contain chlorophyll that gives leaves their green colour. Chlorophyll is used to photosynthesis. They use the sun’s energy to convert carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil into sugar and oxygen. The sugar is either used or stored in the branches, trunk and roots. The oxygen is released back into the air. Branches The branches support and spread the leaves so they can thrive in the environment. They're also channels for water and nutrients and storage for extra sugar. Trunk The trunk holds up the crown. The trunk is like a highway for the tree, with water and nutrients pushing up from the soil, and sugar coming down from the leaves. Growth rings are the rings that form on the trunk each year that the tree has grown. You can tell how old a tree is by how many rings are on the trunk. |
Explore a Tree
1. Become a tree detective.
Identifying a tree in your neighbourhood.
2. Hug a tree.
Do your arms make it all the way around the tree? If not, how many people would it take to stretch around the tree? How does the bark feel?
3. What shapes can you find.
What shapes are the trees in your neighbourhood?
4. Look down.
Some tree roots are big enough to climb on; others might be a little trickier to spot.
5. Look up.
What do you see? Can you find the top? Is it easier to see from under the tree or from further away?
6. Make bark or leaf rubbings.
Place a piece of paper over the bark or leaf of a tree. Lay a crayon flat against the paper and make a rubbing. Watch the texture of the bark or leaf appear.
7. Search for wildlife.
Trees are home to all kinds of creatures. Look for signs such as places to nest, webs, droppings or markings.
Identifying a tree in your neighbourhood.
2. Hug a tree.
Do your arms make it all the way around the tree? If not, how many people would it take to stretch around the tree? How does the bark feel?
3. What shapes can you find.
What shapes are the trees in your neighbourhood?
4. Look down.
Some tree roots are big enough to climb on; others might be a little trickier to spot.
5. Look up.
What do you see? Can you find the top? Is it easier to see from under the tree or from further away?
6. Make bark or leaf rubbings.
Place a piece of paper over the bark or leaf of a tree. Lay a crayon flat against the paper and make a rubbing. Watch the texture of the bark or leaf appear.
7. Search for wildlife.
Trees are home to all kinds of creatures. Look for signs such as places to nest, webs, droppings or markings.
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Download your 'Explore a Tree' activity sheet
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InvestigateExplore tree seeds.
Take a gathering basket for a wander through a natural area with plenty of different trees. Find tree seeds on the ground. Do you know what kind of trees they came from? Do any animals or people eat these seeds? How are they different from each other? |
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Tree craft
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Beeswax Dipped LeavesLike all nature lovers, I am absolutely ridiculous when it comes to autumn leaves. I can't walk far without stopping to find my favourite leaf for the day. I make wreaths for the door, leaf angels on the ground and leaf piles to jump in.
This year we discovered the magic of dipping leaves into beeswax. This preserves the beautiful colours of autumn. Since we collected beeswax from our hives recently this seemed an ideal activity. First we hand squeezed the honey out of the beeswax. Best part of my month! You can find beeswax at craft stores or honey stalls at your local farmers market. Melt the wax on a low heat. Carefully, dip the leaves into the wax and lay them out to cool. Be mindful that the wax is hot for toddlers. If the wax isn't hot enough it goes on very thick and dulls the brightness of the leaves. |
Leaf crown
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With freshly beeswax dipped autumn leaves we simply had to make some autumn crowns.
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Family Tree
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A family tree is an activity to see the family ancestors that came before you. We made a family tree by collecting leaves to represent each family member.
You may need to do some research to find your ancestors names. We managed to find six generations of names to create a family tree. We decided to use Oak leaves as these trees come from Europe where our ancestors once lived.
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Tree Pose
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Can you stand like a tree?Tree pose helps you to stand strong like a tree. Start your day by standing in tree pose.
BENEFITS
Plant all four corners of the right foot into the mat. Rotate the left leg out placing the ball of the foot on the ground and the left heel on the right ankle. As you get more balance you can move your foot up your leg so it is placed on your knee. Bring hands together at heart center. Find your balance then grow your branches to the sky. |
The threat to trees
Logging
Logging and Deforestation
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Wood is a very useful resource.
It is used to build homes and furniture. To make paper to write on and paper to wipe bums on. Wood can be burnt to make heat and cook food. Can you see anything around you right now that was once a growing tree? Logging is when trees are cut down to use the wood for products or fuel. Deforestation is the removal or destruction of large areas of forest. |
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Logging stats in Australia from www.wilderness.org.au
- Each year around 5,000 sq kms of virgin bushland and advanced regrowth are destroyed
- Australia has lost 25% rainforest, 45% of open forest, 32% woodland forest and 30% of mallee forest in 200 years
- The effect of these changes has been considerable. Around 20% of Australian mammals, 7% of reptiles, 13% of birds are listed as Extinct, Endangered or Vulnerable.
- Australia has one of the highest rates of tree clearing of any developed country historically.
- Currently, 1,000 animal and plant species are at risk of extinction—including the koala.
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Urban sprawl and condensed living
Urban sprawl is the spread of houses and shopping centres on undeveloped land. Wildlife areas are cleared for more home estates.
Condensed Living is where homes and built up within a suburban area. Properties are subdivided so more homes can be built within one block. This means there's less room for gardens and trees.
Condensed Living is where homes and built up within a suburban area. Properties are subdivided so more homes can be built within one block. This means there's less room for gardens and trees.
How can you help the trees
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1. See how precious paper is
We can save trees by using less paper.
3. Plant a tree.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today. Do some research to make sure you pick the right tree for your space. 
6. Be fire aware
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2. Borrow, share and donate books.
Libraries are fabulous, a place to read books, then swap them for new ones. Have a book swap gathering with your friends or build a community swap box. Instead of keeping old books, donate them to a used bookstore, library or reading program. 
4. Visit a nature reserve
Build a relationship with trees by spending time with them. Adopt a tree near your home by visiting it regularly. See how it changes each season, what animals live on it and over the years observe how it changes. 5. Stay on the path. When you visit the bushland, stay on marked trails. This will reduce your impact on nature. 
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WinterNext month we look at Winter.
You'll learn about season changes, how it is experiences around the world and ways to enjoy winter with craft, games and winter foods to keep you warm on the inside. |
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