Thank a Tree

This project is more than just a collection of thank-you notes. It’s a growing, community-driven map that celebrates the personal connections people have with trees. Each pinned note offers a window into someone’s experience, whether it’s gratitude for a tree’s cooling shade, a cherished childhood memory, or simply appreciation for its quiet presence.

Together, these stories reveal patterns in how we value trees, offering insight into which benefits resonate most with individuals and how they compare to the priorities of cities and policymakers.

Community mapping is at the heart of this project because it transforms individual reflections into a collective narrative, making our shared connections to trees visible. By adding your own thank-you note, you contribute to a broader story of appreciation, showing that trees are not just landscape features but vital parts of our wellbeing, culture, and daily lives.

Your voice helps build a case for why trees matter, not just in terms of numbers and statistics, but in the ways they shape our experiences.

Take a moment to reflect on a tree that has made an impact on you, then add your story to the map. In doing so, you become part of a growing movement to see, value, and protect the trees that support our world.

Trees provide an incredible range of benefits, from supporting biodiversity to shaping the character of our communities. While some of these benefits, like air quality and shade, are well-known, other benefits, like their role in cultural identity or mental wellbeing, are often overlooked.

Ecologically, trees are foundational to healthy ecosystems. They provide habitat and food for countless species, supporting biodiversity in both urban and natural environments. Their canopies intercept rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff and preventing soil erosion, while their roots stabilize the ground and improve water filtration. Trees also play a vital role in air purification, absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter while releasing oxygen, all essential to maintaining the air we breathe.

Beyond their ecological contributions, trees also have significant economic benefits. Urban forests increase property values, attract businesses, and boost local economies by enhancing the aesthetic appeal of commercial and residential areas. Studies have shown that tree-lined streets encourage foot traffic, benefiting retail businesses. Additionally, trees reduce energy costs by providing shade in the summer and acting as windbreaks in the winter, lowering the need for artificial cooling and heating. These long-term savings make tree preservation and strategic planting a cost-effective investment for communities.

Trees are also crucial for climate resilience. As natural carbon sinks, they absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. In cities, tree canopies reduce the urban heat island effect by lowering surface and air temperatures, making extreme heat events more manageable. Their ability to capture stormwater and stabilize soils also helps protect communities from flooding and other climate-related hazards. As we face increasing climate uncertainties, protecting and expanding urban and natural forests is a necessary strategy for building resilience.

Beyond their more tangible or quantifiable benefits, trees embody cultural, social, and spiritual significance. They provide spaces for gathering, reflection, and recreation, enhancing community wellbeing and mental health. Many cultures revere trees as symbols of strength, wisdom, and connection to nature. Throughout history, they have served as sacred sites, storytelling landmarks, and artistic inspirations. Their aesthetic beauty enhances our surroundings, offering a sense of peace and grounding in an increasingly urbanized world.

Join our community of tree admirers and spread the love one thank-you note at a time. Your voice adds depth to the story of why trees matter, showing that their value extends beyond data and statistics to the personal experiences, memories, and connections that make them essential to our lives.

• Tell us about a tree that has positively impacted your life.
• Share your appreciation for a specific benefit that this tree provides.
• What memories, emotions and sensations come to mind?
• Why this tree is special to you?