Planting trees is a really feel good deal. If you don't have a spot to do it yourself, Global Releaf can help. If you have a need for some shade, you can get free trees by becoming a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation.

But there is no way to plant a true hardwood forest. Our existing hardwood forests are extremely complex eco-systems which we must preserve and protect. One of the best ways to protect our forests is to support the environmental organizations that focus on the protection of natural habitat. You might consider the National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, or the World Wildlife Fund.

Our American hardwood forests are currently endangered by the growth of "chip mills" which devour thousands of acres of immature hardwoods each year. New mills have been built all across the Southeastern United States, and more are being planned. These mills convert hardwoods to pulp for paper mills and for export. While the industry brags about their efficiency, the conversion of hardwood forest to pulp is a serious threat to those who have enjoyed working with these woods and who hope to leave a legacy of that work to future generations. Woodworkers and those who have enjoyed the benefits of their craftsmanship look to a bleak future if the chip mill expansion is not stopped. The Dogwood Alliance is an association of environmental organizations which is working to educate the public about the threat posed by chip mills. I endorse the activities of the Dogwood Alliance and encourage your support. To give them financial support, I have set up an Environmental Gifts Page from which your purchase will support the work of the Dogwood Alliance.

The most important consideration for the future of our forests is the way we live now. We must become more conservative and caring in our use of resources of all kinds. We must learn to look beyond surface effect and immediate appeal for quality, integrity, and meaning in the things we buy. It is important to go out into nature and experience it and allow ourselves to become transformed by it.

The woodthrush that sings from the treetops on my eleven acres of woods has a winter home in forests on another continent. When she returns in the spring, her song brings joy and relief. I am concerned for the world's forests and hope that we can do more to protect them. Our Arkansas forests are their greatest beauty when they show their fall colors.