By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Trees will be the focus of the KDL Kelloggsville branch’s first-ever book talk Nov. 8 as the Wyoming Tree Commission will help lead the discussion on Peter Wohlleben’s groundbreaking book “The Hidden Life of Trees.”
“As we worked on increasing the tree cover in Wyoming, I came across this book and it is an amazing book,” said Tree Commissioner Jim Ward who will be leading the talk with KDL Kelloggsville’s Mike Zurgable.
Released in 2016, “The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, Discoveries from a Secret World” is the first book in The Mysteries of Nature Trilogy by Wohlleben, a German forest ranger. The second book, “The Inner Life of Animals” was released last year and the third book, “The Secret Wisdom of Nature” has just been released.
In “Hidden Life of Trees,” Wohlleben shares his love of the woods and forests, discussing the process of life and death. He gives the trees human qualities as parents with children, communicating to each other, and supporting each other. Wohlleben draws from new discoveries, presenting the science behind the secret and previously unknown life of trees and their communication abilities.
“He talks about things about the trees that no one ever knew,” Ward said. “How the trees take care of each other. That they actually make noises and they actually make a smell to identify who they are to other trees and to defend themselves against critters chewing or invading them.”
So impressed with Wohlleben’s book that when approached about hosting a book talk at the KDL Kelloggsvile branch, it was the book on the top of Ward’s list.
“We are so honored to be able to participate in the book talk,” Ward said. “It is an opportunity for us to promote what we are doing in the City of Wyoming and our efforts to increase the tree canopy.”
Ward said the talk will generate discussion on the value of trees and what they offer a city beyond just beautifying it, serving as a launch pad in the city’s continuing efforts of being a Tree City U.S.A.
Copies of “The Hidden Life of Trees” are available at the KDL Kelloggsville branch, located in the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 S. Division Ave. The book discussion will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the KDL Kelloggsvile branch.
For more on the Tree Commission activities, click here. For more on KDL programs, visit kdl.org.
