Virginia's Forests

by Tai
(Virginia)

Meadow pavilion in Virginia Forest

In Virginia, the forest is everywhere. Much of it has been clear-cut to make way for development, but in the untouched parts, the forests still thrive.

However, I find it so fascinating that most people don't visit Virginia's forests. They visit the mountains for a hike or the trails for a run, but rarely do they pay attention to the forests themselves. These forests often are thought of more as fire hazards. We have Smokey the Bear meters everywhere indicating how likely it is that these wooded areas will go ablaze.

As our forests continue to dwindle due to population changes and pollution, I think that there should be a concerted effort to keep certain areas sacred and regrow forests on top of buildings. I think green roofs of shrubs are not enough. What if the tops of buildings also held treetops? What if we gave up aesthetics for nature?

Some of the replanting that has been done in Virginia has been removed. For instance, there was a local office building that had two stately oak trees that were at least 50 years old. The building's owner removed them in favor of smaller trees because the oak trees were taking up too much room. Can you imagine switching a tree for a tree on the very same spot?

Barry's Response - It happens all the time. Those who do it lose big, though. They lose CHARACTER. Seems like some people cannot see the forest for the trees *sorry*. Thanks for your expression of concern, Tai.