Planting a tree is like give communities and the environment a hug

By Melinda Myers
National Arbor Day, an annual observance in April that was first celebrated in 1872, recognizes the important role trees play in our environment and, more recently, their impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

These long-lived members of our landscapes and communities help combat flooding, shade our homes, reduce energy use, and remove pollutants from the air. According to the U.S. Forest Service, properly placed trees around buildings can help reduce air conditioning requirements by 30 percent and save between 20 to 50 percent on energy used for heating.

Trees lessen the impact of stormwater by intercepting rainfall and transpiring moisture from the soil into the air. Their canopies intercept and slow rainfall’s velocity before it hits the ground. This reduces runoff and erosion, allowing more water to be absorbed by the soil instead of overwhelming our storm sewers.

Spending time among trees also helps boost our immune system. Studies reveal tree-filled landscapes help decrease domestic conflict, as well as aggression and violence at schools. A mindful walk through the woods, known as forest bathing, helps reduce blood pressure and stress. It increases focus and energy levels and improves sleep.

When planting new trees, make sure to select one that will fit and thrive in the space and conditions. Look for ones that provide multiple seasons of beauty and support birds and pollinators that deliver the many other environmental benefits.

Select a planting location away from overhead and underground utilities to avoid future conflicts. Always call 811, a free underground utility locating service, at least three business days before putting the first shovel in the ground.

Water new plantings thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to apply the water directly to the soil. Even established trees need to be watered during dry periods.  Apply 10 gallons of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter when the top four to six inches begin to dry.

Prevent hungry critters from dining on new and existing plantings. Protect new and existing trees from mowers and weed whips. Plant perennial groundcovers under the tree or cover the soil with two to three inches of shredded bark or woodchips. Be sure to keep the mulch off the trunk of the tree.

Take time to plant, tend and enjoy trees that provide beauty, shade and so many benefits to our daily lives and future generations. Get the whole family involved and help improve the tree cover in your hometown so everyone benefits.

 

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 books and hosted DVD series and radio programs on gardening. She can be reached at www.MelindaMyers.com.

 

TALKING ABOUT TREES

Planting, tending and enjoying trees is good for the soul and the environment.

Non-profit or public agencies that sell low-cost trees or offer free information on planting and caring for trees include the Pierce Conservation District (piercecd.org, 253-845-9770), Washington Native Plant Society (wnps.org, 206-527-3210), Washington State University Extension’s Master Gardener program (extenson.wsu.edu, 253-798-6943), and Trees are Good (treesaregood.org).

From fighting fires to helping make homes age-friendly

Nathan Hokenson discovered his love for serving others as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Now, after experiencing firsthand with his parents the modifications necessary to make a home safe for aging adults, he is turning his attention to helping seniors live hassle-free in their own homes.

The lifelong Gig Harbor resident is opening the first TruBlue Total House Care franchise in his community.  The company provides a helping hand around the house, inside and out — chores, handyman services, house cleaning, maintenance, yard work, emergency repairs, seasonal work, and preventative maintenance

“Over the past few years in particular, I’ve seen a  growing demand for home maintenance and senior services in the area,” Hokenson said.

Hokeson has worn many hats, starting when he worked on a commercial fishing boat at age 16. Along with volunteer firefighter and EMT duty, he worked in the wholesale lumber industry before starting a 12-year career in orthopedic medical sales. During that time, he was a fixture in hospital operating rooms, providing technical support to surgical teams for various implants and instrumentation for joint and trauma surgeries.

Becoming a businessman will help him have more time for his daughter and his parents, he said.

Nathan Hokenson and his daughter.

By Sharon Wagner

You don’t have to be a full-time activist to advocate for your community and the issues you are passionate about. Statistics show that 55 percent of Gen Z respondents were deterred from volunteering because they didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, there are some easy steps people of any generation can take to support local causes. Whether there are related local programs established or not, here are five ways to get started.

  1. Do your research.

Although many people can get stuck in this stage, it’s still important to understand the problems you want to address. For instance, if you’re going to increase voter registration in your neighborhood, you’ll want to get an idea of where the gaps are. During this process, you will likely come across other organizations focused on the issue. If not, it’s probably even more imperative that you take action. The Internet and your local library are usually great resources for this step.

  1. Create connections.

Once you’ve got a good grasp on the project and what the community needs most, it’s time to create connections with others. Reach out to established organizations, or if there aren’t any, start a Facebook group or Meetup and invite others to get involved. Great campaigns take a village, and people are more likely to support your cause when you have a team willing and ready to do the required work. While social media campaigns are helpful, nothing beats people getting together in person and taking action.

  1. Raise funds.

Although volunteer time is essential to neighborhood work, you’ll likely need money to accomplish some of your goals. Whether you want to create informational flyers, sponsor after-school programs for kids, or print t-shirts for your workforce to wear, raising funds will be vital. One of the most important steps is creating a pitch that succinctly sums up your mission and action plan. Taking advantage of your social network and the professional networks of other altruists is a great way to get started. Online fund-raising can also raise a good amount of money through smaller, individual donations.

  1. Manage your time.

Although you may be excited about making a difference, it’s essential to refrain from overloading your schedule. Doing so will only cause burnout and make you more likely to quit before you accomplish your mission. An excellent digital calendar and some firm boundaries are essential to this step.

  1. Start a non-profit.

If you’re still passionate after you get started, you may want to take the leap and create your own non-profit. If you set up your organization as a nonprofit corporation, it will be easier to obtain grants and public funding. Part of this process includes setting up bylaws that demonstrate how you will operate. This includes governance, how board meetings are run, how voting takes place, and rules on controlling conflicts of interest.

By following some of the tips above, you can begin to advocate for causes you are passionate about and even make a lasting change.

 

Sharon Wagner, a former bank manager, writes about health and well-being older adults through. Her website, Senior Friendly, has advice for enjoying golden years.

Throw a ball, not a stick

Playing fetch can be hazardous to dogs, especially if sticks are involved.

Most dog owners see no harm in tossing a stick. But sticks can scrape a dog’s throat or infect them with splinters, possibly resulting in a trip to an animal emergency hospital for treatment of blood-tinge

A ball is a safer, healthier thing for a dog to fetch than a stick, which can have harmful splinters.

d saliva, pain, vomiting, reluctance to eat or drink, lethargy, swelling of the face and neck, and/or bloody stool (indicative of a pierced organ). In some cases, sticks have been known to perforate stomachs.

More words to the wise: Instead of wooden sticks, play fetch with rubber sticks, balls, and discs.

 

Source: Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, whose locations include Lakewood, Renton, Seattle, and Kirkland.