#2307 "Parry Sound Forested Shore"

The trees of the Parry Sound Archipelago are heavily flagged by the persistent westerly winds off Georgian Bay. This wall of pines on the edge of the rocky island suggests that the ecosystem is healthy. Flagging of trees require average annual wind speeds of 20 kilometers per hour. Branches tend to grow with the mean wind direction. Branches on the windy side also tend to be stunted or turn to grow downwind. Although these trees are individually leaning a bit with the prevailing winds, collectively they are standing up quite well. We can learn a lot from trees.

Contrary to president Reagan's dramatic declaration in 1981 that "trees cause more pollution than automobiles", trees are our friends. Here are just a few of the many reasons why.

• Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. 
• Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone. 
• Air borne particulates are filtered out of the air by trapping them on the leaves and bark of trees. 
• Trees reduce runoff by breaking down the rain drops thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and gently into the earth below the tree. This in turn helps to prevent erosion. 
• Numerous studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with fewer complications. Children with ADHD improve when they have access to nature. 
• Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue.

The facts are indisputable and cannot be bought by lobby groups. This forested shore in the Archipelago helps to make Parry Sound an even better place to live.

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