Forest Medicine

With this year coming to a close and Solstice upon us, I am reminded of the priceless gifts that are offered up daily by the natural world and the forest that encompasses and defines the Whidbey Institute.

These are just a few of the ecological benefits from our forest:

• Carbon storage and sequestration. Our lowland and coastal forests are some of the most carbon dense on the planet!

• Oxygen production. One mature Douglas fir can produce enough oxygen to meet the needs of four people.

• Healthy soils. Forests stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Forest soils contain thousands of pounds of fungal mycelium per acre.

• Water regulation. Tree canopy and root systems moderate water movement within the watershed.

• Wildlife habitat. Food and shelter for our furry and feathered friends. 

I am constantly awed by the beauty and diversity of life forms present in our forest. This collection of species is not random, but rather a result of thousands of years of experiments within the environment, developing symbiotic relationships with neighboring plants and microbes. As sharing and connection develops among species, a more resilient and vibrant community emerges. 

I'm wishing that everyone is able to take some time to pause and savor our deep connection to family, friends, and the greater Earth community that nurtures
and supports us all.