INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • From the world's leading forest ecologist who forever changed how people view trees and their connections to one another and to other living things in the forest—a moving, deeply personal journey of discoverySuzanne Simard is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence; she's been compared to Rachel Carson, hailed as a scientist who conveys complex, technical ideas in a way that is dazzling and profound. Her work has influenced filmmakers (the Tree of Souls of James Cameron's
Avatar) and her TED talks have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide.Now, in her first book, Simard brings us into her world, the intimate world of the trees, in which she brilliantly illuminates the fascinating and vital truths--that trees are not simply the source of timber or pulp, but are a complicated, interdependent circle of life; that forests are social, cooperative creatures connected through underground networks by which trees communicate their vitality and vulnerabilities with communal lives not that different from our own. Simard writes--in inspiring, illuminating, and accessible ways—how trees, living side by side for hundreds of years, have evolved, how they perceive one another, learn and adapt their behaviors, recognize neighbors, and remember the past; how they have agency about the future; elicit warnings and mount defenses, compete and cooperate with one another with sophistication, characteristics ascribed to human intelligence, traits that are the essence of civil societies--and at the center of it all, the Mother Trees: the mysterious, powerful forces that connect and sustain the others that surround them. Simard writes of her own life, born and raised into a logging world in the rainforests of British Columbia, of her days as a child spent cataloging the trees from the forest and how she came to love and respect them—embarking on a journey of discovery, and struggle. And as she writes of her scientific quest, she writes of her own journey--of love and loss, of observation and change, of risk and reward, making us understand how deeply human scientific inquiry exists beyond data and technology, that it is about understanding who we are and our place in the world, and, in writing of her own life, we come to see the true connectedness of the Mother Tree that nurtures the forest in the profound ways that families and human societies do, and how these inseparable bonds enable all our survival.
In Suzanne Simard's captivating book, "Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest," she delves into the intricate world of interconnectedness within forest ecosystems, revealing the profound wisdom and resilience of trees. Through her groundbreaking research and personal journey, Simard uncovers the hidden language of trees, their ability to communicate, cooperate, and nurture each other, creating a harmonious and resilient community.
Simard's journey begins with her curiosity about the role of old-growth forests in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. As she embarks on her research, she discovers that trees are capable of much more than simply providing oxygen and timber. They form complex networks beneath the soil, exchanging nutrients, water, and information through a network of fungal connections known as mycorrhizal networks.
These mycorrhizal networks, which Simard refers to as the "Wood Wide Web," facilitate communication and cooperation among trees. Trees can send signals to each other through these networks, warning of impending threats, sharing resources, and coordinating their responses to environmental changes. Simard's research reveals that trees are not merely passive recipients of their environment but active participants, shaping their ecosystem and playing a vital role in maintaining its balance.
One of the most remarkable discoveries presented in "Finding the Mother Tree" is the concept of the "Mother Tree." These venerable trees, often the oldest and largest in the forest, serve as hubs of the mycorrhizal network, providing sustenance and support to younger trees and playing a crucial role in the forest's overall health and resilience. Simard's research highlights the importance of protecting these Mother Trees, as their loss can have devastating consequences for the entire forest community.
Simard's work has revolutionized our understanding of forests, revealing them to be intricate and interconnected ecosystems, where trees communicate, cooperate, and nurture each other. "Finding the Mother Tree" is a compelling narrative that combines scientific research with a deep appreciation for the natural world, inviting readers to reconsider their relationship with trees and the importance of preserving and protecting these vital ecosystems.
