Writings that Inspire you to take Action: The Man who Planted Trees



Bristle cone pine- oldest known species on the planet

This is a story of hope and how everyone can make a difference in changing the world. Twenty years ago David Milarch was just another ordinary man. Yes, he owned a nursery in Michigan, but most people that knew him thought of him as a hard-living alcoholic who would never amount to much. Certainly he was not someone who would someday inspire thousands of people to plant trees.

And then it happened. He had a near death experience and during this time he had a vision - a vision of angels who told him that the earth was in trouble and the trees were dying. Without them human life would have difficulty surviving. He was told to clone the oldest trees that still survived on the planet, like the redwoods, sequoias, and the bristlecone pines (One is believed to be 5,000 years old).

Why? Because some of these trees in the old growth forests had lived for thousands of years and were clearly the most resilient trees on earth. He was to plant them, not only in America, but all over the world.

David Milarch survived and changed his life. He became obsessed with his new mission. Scientists and other tree experts told him that cloning the trees couldn't be done. But over the years he and his team learned how and did it.

The author, Jim Robbins, a New York Times journalist, found out about David Milarch and his work. Although skeptical, he followed the team for several years and discovered the true benefit of our trees. He was surprised about what he learned, and was inspired to write this book.

He learned that trees even have a way to communicate with each other and the earth. Trees not only take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but they filter our water and clean up toxic spills. They protect us and hundreds of areas from overwhelming heat and UV rays. For many of us who live in cities and suburbs, they become our natural air-conditioners. Some trees, like the willows, contain salicylic acid, and other trees contain other medications.

Milarch states that trees are the filters on the earth and without them we probably would not survive. His wish is to have everyone plant at least one of the old growth clones he is creating and spread the hardiest of trees all over the planet. Many people are doing just that.

My husband, who is one of those tree lovers, planted two sequoia trees in our back yard. We are watching them grow.

An old Chinese saying: When is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. The second best time? Today.

May this inspire you to plant a tree.