Reading a recent article “Taking Tree-Hugging to New Heights” by Benjamin Percy in the Wall Street Journal (10-16-10), I cannot help but think that this childhood sport will only continue to grow.  The article describes the tree climbing program in Eugene, Oregon where you can not only climb trees but spend the night.  As the article so aptly puts it “tree climbing has become a vacation destination due to some childish nostalgia, eco-awareness and an appreciation of spider-like thrill of swinging from ropes.” The mind wanders to the Boomers and how they are helping to fuel this and other eco-pursuits.  The idea of climbing trees, in this context, is meant more for the adventure of the sport as well as to be able to re-live childhood activities.  We can expect to see more of these things “nature pursuits” being incorporated into all kinds of programs as the Boomers move closer to more free time and disposable income.  The Morris Arboretum recently opened the “Out on a Limb’ exhibit in which you can spend time elevated in the trees high above the ground – www.morrisarboretum.org If you want to attract more of the environmentally conscious older adults, consider incorporating, not just tree climbing activities.  How about a big tree house that you can actually spend time in and spend the night in?  Maybe the grand kids will want to visit and have a sleep over with you in the tree house.  We need to explore the ways in which we can create environments that enable people to get closer to and be a part of nature. Some sites to visit include pacifictreeclimbing.com for information on tree climbing adventures in the US.  If you have been yearning to stay overnight in a tree house, visit  www.treehotel.se to see where you can sleep up in the trees.  To read more from the article in the WSJ, visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467004575464073401007574.html?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_Travel

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The question of why we are attracted to water may be a bit obvious for some.  However, we all too often take water for granted.  It is, for the most part, easily accessible and abundant.  We are connected to water in so many ways.  In fact, we are as humans on average 75 percent water.  The earths surface is 70 percent water.  This investigation of why we are attracted to water is, in part, preparation for an upcoming presentation on water and horticultural therapy. We ARE attracted to water, that is obvious.  Whether it is a lake, ocean or a man made water feature, we feel compelled to interact on some level.   All of our senses are heightened and respond in different ways.  The smell of ozone when it rains or the melodic sounds of waves crashing on the beach are just a few of the reactions water elicits.  Who is not interested in a water pistol fight on a hot summer’s day.  Watch children (and those still young at heart) who cannot resist playing in a fountain. A preliminary search of current literature and research findings indicate that there are emotional responses caused when water touches our skin, much like someone holding our hand.  When someone holds our hand, the brain releases the hormone Oxytocin, which promotes a feeling of devotion and trust.  The Orbital Front Cortex of the brain responds to sweet tastes and pleasant odors.  The smell of the air when it begins to rain or the salt spray from the ocean can trigger a positive emotional response. The next time you pass a water fountain in a park or shopping mall, stop and pay attention.  How does it make you feel?  What are the reactions experienced by others.  Do you or others have a tendency to touch the water.  Does the sound of the running water as it splashes onto the hard surface make you slow down and watch?  Your blood pressure should be reduced and hopefully a sense of calm may be present, even for a short while.  Begin to make a mental note of these reactions.

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