Trees Are Not Just “For the Birds”

By Dr. Lisa Nisbet, Environmental Psychology Researcher, Trent University

Most bird lovers notice and appreciate trees. Trees are often what we see when looking for the source of that nearby hooting, chirping, tweeting, or twittering. Expert birders may even know which trees are the preferred food source or habitat for our feathered friends. And with increasing concerns about how we will adapt to a changing climate, trees are gaining more attention for the many ecosystem services they provide, particularly in urban environments. Trees help to control snow and rainwater, improve our air quality, reduce pollution, and buffer the heat island effect during the summer, among other things. But trees also affect our physical and mental health in a number of surprising ways. Trees may be underappreciated as a source of human wellbeing.

A considerable amount of empirical evidence has established the happiness benefits of regular contact and connection with nature. Research on nature’s benefits often includes green space (trees and other vegetation) or blue space (rivers, lakes, beaches) without focussing on specific elements of nature. However, scientists in Japan and around the world have conducted research into the health benefits of nature and spending time among trees. The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku means taking in the forest atmosphere but is sometimes referred to as “forest bathing”. Some of the benefits include improved immune functioning (enhanced natural killer cell activity) and reductions in the physiological response to stress (heart rate, blood pressure).

Read the full article at birdscanada.org