Did you know that trees exist on every continent except Antarctica?
From purifying our air and providing oxygen, to filtering the water we drink, to affording habitat for wildlife, and so much more, it’s impossible to imagine a life without trees. These gentle giants are something we can’t live without and this fall, The Nature Place has transformed to give trees the attention and admiration they deserve!
The Nature Place nature center has been set up with three unique and immersive experiences to explore the incredible world of trees.
Start with a game to visualize the natural benefits of trees! Trees are truly indispensable to life on earth, providing a multitude of ecological, social, economic, and health benefits. Berks County’s forests, which cover about 40% of our total land area, are the cornerstone of our county’s natural services, which are worth almost $2 billion annually.
The Tree Benefit Matching Game can be played competitively or collaboratively, as players attempt to match individual services trees can provide with the corresponding tree on the wall-mounted playing board.
Move across The Nature Place exhibit to Tree Town – a station dedicated to tree equity. Knowing that trees provide invaluable services to people, playing a critical role in protecting our quality of life and health, we must also acknowledge that everyone, regardless of their income, background, or race deserves access to the healthier, greener environments that trees provide.
Yet, across the United States, disparities in tree cover do exist, resulting in unequal air quality, temperature regulation, and overall well-being. In Tree Town, you can learn more about the importance of tree equity while building your own tree-filled neighborhood. Can you make a town with a net zero carbon footprint?
Children build their own tree-filled neighborhood at the Tree Town station.
Get ready for a tree identification scavenger hunt across Angelica Creek Park by learning all about bark, leaves, and tree anatomy at the Tree I.D. Station!
The third station focuses on tree anatomy. Between pictures and real samples from nature, this station provides a hands-on crash course in tree identification. Feeling confident? Put your new identification skills to the test with a tree identification scavenger hunt across Angelica Creek Park! Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and then take to the trails, but don’t forget to come back to The Nature Place to check your answers!
If you weren’t a tree hugger before, you certainly will be after visiting The Nature Place’s World of Trees exhibit!
Children playing the Tree Benefit Matching Game to learn about the various environmental services trees provide.