There’s nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend.   – Bob Ross

I’ve been lucky this summer to spend time with some ancient trees – cedars in Japan, sequoias in California, pines in New England. It’s reminded me of how, during the height of the pandemic, I used to go out and lean against the biggest, oldest oaks on the Boston Common, subconsciously yet deeply comforted.

I have a habit of patting tree-friends and saying a few words as I pass. This seems to surprise fellow humans, so I usually do it quietly, when other people are absent.

But friends, Bob Ross is right (as usual). Let’s introduce our friends to one another, whether they be they human or animal or botanical.

Let’s cherish each and every one. 

I’d like to introduce you to a new tree-friend from the Mariposa Grove on the edge of Yosemite, who is about 2000 years old. A 100-year-old human would only have witnessed 5% of this tree’s lifespan. She narrowly escaped the Washburn fire a few years back, thanks to decades of intentional fire stewardship based on longstanding Native American practices, plus the heroism of local firefighters.