Immortal Arboretum

Trees have been around a lot longer than human folklore has, which is probably why they’re ingrained in our early mythologies all the way up to our modern fiction. Whether it’s the mighty branches of the Norse World Tree, the sacred fig of Hinduism, Homer’s nymphs, or the living trees of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, these magnificent plants have inspired literature and storytelling since humanity first wondered at their height and marveled at their seeming immortality. In a world where our trees are threatened by corporate expansion and deforestation, our storytelling history has become even more important in the fight for a healthy environment: when we allow the trees to walk and talk and relay the wisdom of ages, they are imbued with both power and humanity. So, in return for the life these plants give to us, today we’re giving the trees a voice. Join us as we listen to Jeff Gere, Kare Strong, Jane Stenson, Susan Reed, and more as they bring us tales from the forest where the people speak to the trees, and the trees speak back. On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “Guardian of the Trees” by Jeff Gere (9:11) Jeff Gere has a way with soundscaping, from his outlandish, mouth-made sound effects to his researched Hawaiian accents to his excellent musical accompanists. This track, which is part of a collection called Guardians of the Trees: Inspiring Tales of Hawaii, is accompanied by Les Adam (who Jeff calls the “Maui musical wizard”) on the piano and Alana Cini on the didgeridoo. The tale follows a construction site on O’ahu, Hawaii, where a plot of trees is being condemned to make way for a new parking lot. But just as the construction workers get to the site, a mysterious woman named Pele puts a halt to the whole project. “Sing ‘I Love You’” by Kare Strong and Josh Goforth (3:07) Rivers of Love was the first collaborative album by Kare Strong and Josh Goforth. It was honored with six national awards—including a Parent’s Choice and National Parenting Publications Award—for its family-friendly focus on respecti