FOREST TALK: HOW TREES COMMUNICATE by Melissa Koch

Forest Talk: How Trees Communicate by Melissa Koch

Nonfiction,  Forest Ecology, Climate Change, Global Warming & Prevention

96 pages including glossary, index, websites and resources for further study and action

Description

"Trees are essential. They provide water, shelter, and food for millions of plant and animal species, including humans. They deliver proven health benefits, and they capture and store carbon, which combats climate change. Yet trees are in trouble. Forests are struggling to adapt to climate change, and deforestation is a major threat. Recently, researchers and citizen scientists made the surprising revelation that trees communicate with each other through an underground system of soil fungi and other methods. Complex social networks help trees survive and thrive by transferring resources to each other, sending defense signals, communicating with their kin, and more. Meet the tree scientists and learn more of their fascinating discoveries"--Publisher.

Booklist (February 1, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 11))

Grades 8-11. This informative book introduces basic facts about trees and expands it with recent research, emphasizing how trees communicate with each other and why protecting them is vital to human health and welfare, as well as to the future of Earth’s ecosystem. Based on studies that began with Suzanne Simard’s work in the 1990s, the most fascinating section describes forest trees sharing water, carbon, and nutrients; communicating by chemical signals through the air and electrical signals though their roots; and connecting with certain other trees via underground fungal networks. In addition to scientific literature, Koch’s research includes interviews with three of the many scientists profiled, a geographer who uses remote sensing technology to study the regrowth of forests, a forest ecologist who discovered roots in the canopies of trees, and a forest economist who researches the effects of nature on children. Illustrated with colorful photos and diagrams, the chapters include many relevant sidebars and articles on significant individuals. An intriguing volume that describes the surprising hidden lives of trees and underscores their key role in our world.

Kirkus Reviews (December 15, 2018)

Readers discover the indispensable functions of trees and why they are so important to the health of humans and the planet. Beginning with a sketch of the nature and scale of the problems of deforestation and forest degradation, Koch (3D Printing, 2017) goes on to describe the many uses of trees, including being sources of ancient and modern medicines, providing oxygen, protecting against drought, and fighting climate change. The body of the book explores numerous topics in detail, including the health benefits for humans of walking in the woods, ecosystems in the forest canopy, and communication between trees, in a section that covers the pioneering work of Dr. Suzanne Simard. Other profiles focus on scientists and environmentalists such as Wangari Maathai. Transitions between sections are smooth; the narrative text is both clear and engaging. Color photographs give a personal feel to the individual stories, and diagrams depicting the water cycle, the “Wood Wide Web,” and more clarify natural processes. The international focus of the book demonstrates the interconnectedness of the issues affecting trees and humans alike. It ends on a hopeful note, offering readers concrete suggestions for things they can do to support trees and the environment. Packed with fascinating information, inspiring stories, and a call to action, this book delivers a powerful message in an effective package. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-15)

My Comments

Such an important book, a clear, concise, and comprehensive look at the importance of trees. This would be an incredibly valuable resource for research or independent reading for middle through high school. I highly recommend this book!