What is Forest Therapy Reciprocity?

Forest bathing or Forest Therapy is based on the principle of reciprocity. We often refer to this approach as Relational Forest Therapy. Lets explore this a bit further. As people seek more exposure to nature and receive its medicinal benefits, they form a relationship which sparks their desire to preserve it. As participants on a forest Therapy walk, we seek not only to receive the positive outcomes that nature can offer, but to also give back in some way. No reciprocity act is to large or to small. In fact, it may be more likely that someone starts off small and moves on to larger acts of reciprocity as their connection with nature grows.

I recall one moment of reciprocity that happened on a recent Forest Therapy walk that I guided in a public park. A participant began collecting a couple of discarded water bottles that had found their way on to the side of the trail. She stated she felt compelled to pick up the trash so the next visitors on the trail could experience nature without the distraction of trash. She said it just made the forest happier too. That was Forest Therapy reciprocity on full display!

The Appreciation of Nature and This Reciprocal Relationship.

I often incorporate the use of this Native American proverb into my walks when I guide. It puts the notion of Forest Therapy reciprocity in perfect context:

“If we talk to the animals, the animals talk back. If we talk to the plants, the plants talk back. If we ignore the animals and the plants, we will not know them. What we do not know, we do not understand. What we do not understand, we fear. What we fear, we destroy.”

A guided Forest Therapy walk provides space for participants to connect with nature in a deeper way so they do get to know the animals and the plants on a relational level. I was on a recent walk where all the participants were hugging trees. Several participants were moved to tears by the kinship they felt with the tree.

A Personal Story of Forest Therapy Reciprocity.

Today, a tree service worker placed signs in front of a beloved tree that grows my yard. The worker stated the tree is slated for removal some time this week. The tree still has years of life in it, however, the city is doing a blanket sweep to remove this tree species - Silver Maple. The city has described it as a nuisance species.

It was time to act on behalf of the tree and all the wild life that call this tree home. Especially after the past 21 years I have spent admiring this tree and the birds, plants, and insects that visit it throughout the year. My wife and I contacted the city as they authorized the decision for removal. We strongly urged the city to reconsider the decision to cut down this tree. We explained how trees are not only a vital part of our urban landscape but also contribute immensely to the well-being of our community. Below are several key reasons reported to the city as to why this tree should be preserved:

Environmental Benefits: Trees act as the lungs of our city, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This tree helps reduce air pollution, improves air quality, and offsets the urban heat island effect by providing shade. Removing it would decrease these essential environmental benefits.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support: Urban trees offer habitat and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity that sustains our ecosystem. Cutting the tree would disrupt these delicate relationships, negatively impacting local wildlife that depends on it for shelter and food.
Climate Change Mitigation: In the face of climate change, trees play a critical role in carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. The removal of this tree would release stored carbon and diminish the city's efforts to combat climate change.
Public Health and Well-being: This is particularly important to me. Studies show that green spaces and trees improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote physical activity. People living near trees experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. This tree provides an aesthetic and calming presence in the area, which is essential for the residents’ quality of life.
Economic Value: Urban trees increase property values by 20% by enhancing the visual appeal of the area and improving the neighborhood’s overall atmosphere. The presence of mature trees can attract new residents, businesses, and visitors, providing long-term economic benefits for the city.
Long-term Cost Savings: The tree likely contributes to energy savings by providing shade, which can reduce the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings. The long-term benefits of preserving this tree outweigh the short-term costs of removing it.
Alternative Solutions: If there are concerns regarding the tree’s health or safety, we should explore alternatives to cutting it down. These could include pruning, structural support, or seeking input from multiple certified arborists on how to address the issue while preserving the tree.

Next, we organized a petition and urged others to contact city officials and demand an alternative to removal of this tree. We posted on social media and informed our local TV news to get the message out. We discovered other like minded individuals in our community who offered to help in a number of different ways as well.

The outcome of the fate of this tree is still unknown, but at least I know we did my best to advocate for it and the animals it supports. As of the date of this post, the city has agreed to delay removal while they have an expert re- evaluate the health on longevity of the tree.

In conclusion, cutting down this tree would come at a significant cost to our environment, public health, quality of life, and my family's mental health. My wife and I encouraged the city to find other solutions that would allow us to keep this invaluable natural gift, and we reminded the city how it would benefit current and future generations. I put my trust in notion that the city can prioritize sustainable urban development and work towards a solution that values both the needs of the community and the environment. If we succeed…that’s reciprocity.