SCIENCES

The Man Who Planted Trees

Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plan To Save the Planet
The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plan To Save the Planet. Spiegel & Grau. Apr. 2012. c.256p. illus. index. ISBN 9781400069064. $25. NAT HIST
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Robbins (A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback) offers a wide range of case studies on different tree species and ancient growth forests that are now in peril but that are also undergoing conservation efforts. He makes persuasive arguments regarding the health, economic, and ecological value of forests as well as the need to preserve the DNA of the world's longest-surviving trees. The book follows lifelong nursery worker David Milarch as he works alongside leading scientists to take stock of the heartiest trees and add their genetic code to his nonprofit, the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive. Robbins explains some phenomena, like trees' magnetic fields, as spiritual or beyond the realm of science, as do Jim Conroy and Basia Alexander in Tree Whispering: A Nature Lover's Guide to Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants, and All of Nature.
VERDICT Though readers never get to know Milarch well, this book will appeal to tree enthusiasts, botanists, and conservationists alike—a great choice for those seeking a brief overview of tree research and some of the major tree conservation efforts that have taken place. [See Prepub Alert, 10/9/11.]
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