Wednesday, March 29, 2006

The power of trees

This shouldn't come as a surprise to people who love trees: A series of studies at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, has shown that trees actually enhance our lives. Researchers there look at the impact of the physical environment in the inner city on people.
Their studies showed:
- In an inner-city residence, the greener the neighborhood, the lower the crime rate.
- Girls who can view nature from home score higher on tests requiring self-discipline and concentration.
- Symptoms of children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are relieved after contact with nature.
- Inner-city neighborhoods with more trees and grass in common areas are used more by residents, who form relationships made stronger by the greenery.
- Green spaces can help relieve the stress associated with poverty.
- Inner-city families with trees and green spaces close-by have a safer environment than those in barren spaces.
(The Siberian elm pictured here is a Colorado National Champion Tree that grows in Grand Junction.)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is such an interesting blog. I had no idea that trees and nature had such a huge impact on people's lives. It is really cool that girls who can see trees near home score better on tests, so that is why I did so good? Haha. You always have the most interesting things to write about.