Join Dr. Alexandra Moore from the Paleontological Research Institution and consider the impact of planting a tree. Perhaps the tree was planted to provide shade, yet the benefits of the tree extend far beyond the shade it casts. Trees provide a suite of ecosystem services to the natural environment, cycling nutrients and water, stabilizing soil and controlling erosion, creating key microclimates, providing food and habitat for a variety of species. Trees provide the same services, and more, to human communities. Urban trees are especially valuable, cooling neighborhoods and filtering pollutants from the air and water. Then consider the impact of planting a tree with students. Every aspect of its life cycle – from biophysics to climate impacts to cultural significance – becomes a learning opportunity. Dr. Moore will share some of the experiences that she and her students have had planting trees in both tropical and temperate ecosystems, the things they learned along the way, and why they give us hope!

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