Another magical experience in a treehouse designed by architects to put you into nature in a dramatic way!

Accessed by retractable stairs and entitled Bird’s Nest, this treehouse is under construction and due to open next month in the Harads Forest in northern Sweden. Designed by Inredningsgruppen/Bertil Harström, it has a modern interior including four beds (one double and 2 singles); radiant floor heating, eco-friendly incineration toilet and a water-efficient lavatory.

Four Hotel Tree Rooms are already open in the Forest including the Mirrored Cube outlined in the post below. Rates are approximately $500 to $600 per night including breakfast. Comment below for email and rate info.

Thousands of Cicadas Climbing a Tree

Watching Planet Earth sparked an interest in an unusual insect called a Cicada. The Cicadas, of the super family Cicadoidea, live in temperate to tropical climates and are completely benign to humans. They are often one of the most recognized of all insects, mainly due to their large size and extraordinary acoustic talents. Most cicadas go through a life cycle that lasts somewhere between two to four years. Yet on the other hand, there are several species have much longer life cycles: such as the North American genus, Magicicada, which has a number of distinct “broods” that go through either 17-year or 13-year cycles.

While flies and mosquitoes live for just a few weeks, cicadas, depending on species, spend either 13 or 17 years below ground in the nymph stage, feeding on plant roots. During the few weeks the Cicadas are above ground, there is an extremely loud and frantic effort for the insects to mate; and more importantly, for the females to deposit their eggs in trees. It is these Magicicadas that have begun to catch the attention of many scientists who are curious as to what the benefits of their existence are.

While they are above ground, these insects become an incredibly abundant food source for birds, lizards, snakes and fish. Because there are billions of cicadas that hatch all at once, predators can only eat about 15 percent of them, leaving the rest as fertilizer for the surrounding plants. “Even as dead bugs they are still influencing these forest ecosystems,” said Louie Yang, whose research was published in the journal “Science” and in an article on CNN.

For several years after a cicada emergence, the benefits often include faster growing trees and bigger seeds in some flowers. Many scientists call this sudden burst of new resources from the decomposing cicadas a “resource pulse.” Intriguing enough, because scientists have the ability to predict the cicadas’ appearance, practically to the day, it makes studying this phenomenon much simpler.

Yang specifically focused his research on the nitrogen levels in plants after a Cicada emergence.  ”What we found was that these plants are actually taking up nitrogen that comes from cicadas. The seeds of the insect-fertilized plants were also 9 percent bigger than those in a control group,” said Yang. With this significant addition of nitrogen and other nutrients, the entire forest seems to have several years of significant growth.

So what’s the significance to us? Well, first off we should appreciate the abundance of bugs not only in our back yard but all around this world. Without them, our ecosystems would not be able to sustain themselves, nor would they ever have these valuable “resource pulses.”

Written and compiled by: Adrienne Carlson

Check out this video:

Return of the 17 Year Cicadas

Articles referenced and used:

http://bit.ly/czszzj

http://bit.ly/cvW6B3

http://bit.ly/9yJqzR

My Niece Rachel and a friend Hugging a Tree in Australia

Oh, The Places You Will Go… !  Don’t you love it that kids these days are traveling the world.  Their Empathetic powers are bedazzling our generation’s!  We are headed in the right direction with them!!

The Bride on her White Bicycle

The bride rode a white beribboned bicycle in her white wedding dress as the guests rode behind on the 50+ bikes borrowed from the people of Ketchum, Idaho.  Local Portlanders, Kelli and Ross Segelken arrived on separate bikes then pedaled to the reception, as one, on a tandem.

Riding Tandem from wedding to Reception

Many of us ride our bikes to work or to meet up with friends, but how many of us would consider riding bikes to our wedding ceremony and reception? OK, maybe we know of a few ladies in Portland that would, but how many of them could convince all of their wedding guests to do the same? Well, Kelli and Ross did just that on their wedding day.

Kelli looked lovely as she rode down the “aisle” in a wedding dress hand painted by her mother Sharon. Kelli and Ross were followed by supportive family and friends as they cruised down the dirt trail together on bicycles decorated with colorful ribbons and flowers.

Taking the concept of going green on their wedding day to a whole new level, the ceremony and reception were held outside where the beautiful landscape created natural decorations, minimizing their waste and consumption. They gathered flowers from fields near the wedding site, made hand painted signs that directed guests and looked to their friends and family to help with the cooking, baking and photography. Guests were given Tree In A Box wedding favors at the reception, giving them an opportunity to take back with them a piece of nature and one that will surely remind them of the celebration of love between Kelli and Ross for years to come.

This couples love for nature and for each other helped them make choices for their wedding that reflect their values and creativity. Kelli had this to say about the wedding  “The best part of the whole wedding weekend (aside from the getting married and starting the “happily ever after” part), is knowing that our wonderful friends and family got to smile and dance and enjoy getting to know each other for the beautiful people we already knew you were.”  Looking at the pictures it’s clear that this wedding was filled with joy, happiness and will be remembered by all who attended.   

written by Megan Poole

Forest Bathing Therapy

In a previous post I said: “To be in Laurelhurst Park is to feel green seep into your energetic field.  I have never walked into the park and not come out happier…”  

Why is that?    The Answer is more interesting than imagined!!

New studies show that casual walking in a forest or park changes cellular and hormonal chemistry in the body.  The Japanese tested a concept called “Forest Bathing” or “Shinrinyoku” which indicates that simply walking in a forest for several hours a week increases white blood cell count, decreases harmful cortisol levels, and increases production of immune-response cells, in addition to the more commonly know effects: stress reduction, lower pulse rate and lower blood pressure.

It is intuitive that nature makes one feel calmer; it is the sunshine, the clean air, the quietude…  But a series of studies measured physiological effects of forest and treed environments and found that phytoncides (essential wood oils produced by trees to protect them from rot and harmful insects) are responsible for chemical changes that actually increase the body’s health.  The effects are almost immediate and they last well after the forest experience.

Japanese researchers performed a series of tests over the last 6 years using over 600 healthy people who walked in or viewed forest settings for various segments of time and were given blood and urine tests prior to and after the walks or viewings. Control groups were sent to urban settings with the same tests performed.

The tests showed that NK cells (natural-killer cells - potent lymphocytes that fight infection and assail cancer growth) increased over 50% in groups of healthy people who spent 3 days and 2 nights in a forest setting. On the 1^st day, subjects walked for 2 hours in the forest; on the 2^nd day, they walked for 2 hours in the morning & 2 hours in the afternoon.  Blood and urine were sampled prior to the trips, on day 2 day and day 3 during each trip, and on days 7 and 30 after the trips. The effects lasted for more than 30 days after the trip!

In a similar experiment cortisol (a stress hormone that has positive effects, but is normally too high in modern life) dropped on average 13.4% when subjects simply looked at a forest setting for 20 minutes.

As a result of these studies, the Japanese government has begun accrediting forests as official Forest Therapy Locations. 35 locations have gained official certification so far and many of these hold free medical checkups, breathing and aromatherapy classes, and guided walks with experts on forests and health care.  Health plans are even beginning to cover costs associated with trips to these Forest Therapy bases.

So take a break, walk among the trees, breathe in the phytoncides, and be healthier and happier today!

Yoshifumi Miyazaki, director of the Center for Environment Health and Field Sciences at Chiba University and Li Qing, a senior assistant professor of forest medicine at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo are responsible for many of these studies.

In 2007, the Vatican City had plans to become the first “Carbon Neutral State” through using solar power and planting a Vatican Climate Forest in Hungary to offset all its carbon emissions.  They teamed up with U.S. based Planktos Corporation and its Hungarian partner, KlimaFa Ltd., to get their forestry project underway.

George Russ, CEO of Planktos stated that, “Not only is the Vatican steadily reducing its carbon footprint with energy efficiency and solar power, its choice of new mixed growth forests to offset the balance of its emissions shows a deep commitment to planetary stewardship as well. It eloquently makes the point that eco-restoration is a fitting climate change solution for a culture of life.”

Amid negotiations, the companies promised to restore more than 600 acres of forests in Hungary along the Tisza River. A portion of this reforestation project was to have been designated as the Vatican Climate Forest, and nearly 125,600 oak, white willow, black poplar and wild fruit trees were to have been planted by November 2008. The Vatican Climate Forest was never completed because of company mishaps, yet this has not discouraged the Vatican from creating other projects to offset their carbon emissions.

During 2008, the Vatican replaced the deteriorating concrete panels of the Paul VI auditorium, with photovoltaic cells that will convert sunlight into electricity. These solar panels generate enough energy to light, heat and cool the 6,000-seat auditorium. Plus when it is not in use, the surplus energy is fed back into the Vatican network.  Andre Koekenhoff, one of the workers, told the Associated Press that, “with this plant, if it is working, in about two weeks we avoid 200 tons of carbon dioxide, and this is equivalent to 70 tons of oil.”

Considering that the Catholic Church claims to strive for stewardship, this effort to become a “Carbon Neutral State,” is a perfect way to put their values into action. According to Bloomberg reports in 2009, newer reports suggested that the Holy See was planning to invest €500m in a 100MW solar farm, which is expected to come online in 2014, generating enough energy for 40,000 homes.

The project is the latest in a series of moves from the Vatican, designed to enhance its environmental credentials. Alongside the rooftop solar panels, officials looking into a biomass facility at the pope’s Castel Gandolfo summer residence.

However, not everyone is satisfied with the Vatican’s plans to become “more green.” Mr. Iain Murray, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute stated, “To the Church of Green, the Vatican will remain heretical.” Furthermore, with the failure of the Vatican Climate Forest project, another article was published stating, “Buying carbon-offset may ease eco-guilt but not global warming.”

On the contrary, environmentalist Rohonyi told ABC News, “Generally, this is a good thing. The idea is praiseworthy. Because of this deal the Vatican will perhaps start propagating environmental awareness among its faithful.”

Taking into consideration that the Vatican may someday accomplish it’s goal to entirely offset it’s carbon emissions, it will be a shining example of cooperation and diligence on the part of many who are striving for a greener way of living.

Articles Used:

- http://bit.ly/cmiFJg

- http://bit.ly/dlllXV

- http://bit.ly/8Xrk3R

- http://bit.ly/9NE452

- http://bit.ly/d5Kax7

Interested in similar articles? Here’s more:

Nine of the Most Carbon-neutral Communities: http://bit.ly/cKXFFS

How do Photovoltaic cell’s work?: http://bit.ly/dseVdG

Vatican may sue carbon-offset company: bit.ly/dlllXV

“Buying carbon-offset may ease-guilt but not global warming”: http://bit.ly/bqjLG8

Every bride planning a wedding knows just how much time and energy goes into every detail of the special day. While the planning process takes its toll on many brides’ mental, physical and even emotional state it also takes its toll on the environment. According to The Green Bride Guide’s website there are 2.5 million weddings annually in the United States each producing about 62 tons of carbon dioxide and on average generating 400-600 lbs of garbage (http://www.greenbrideguide.com).

Many couples today are appalled to discover the carbon footprint left by traditional weddings, causing them to seek out more earth friendly wedding choices.

Creative ways to celebrate your love for each other and your love for the earth:

1. Location- Choose a location that is central to where the majority of your guests live. Air travel is by the far the most environmentally impactful parts of the event. Then have your wedding and reception outside. Outdoor weddings require less decorations, and if they take place during the day, less lighting.
2. Invitations and save the date cards will be the first thing that guests see, so make an impression right up front that conveys your green values:

• Use vegetable or soy based inks printed on recycled paper products or use paper alternative such as bamboo, organic cotton or hemp.
• Choose a local printing company that using environmentally conscience practices and uses a high percentage of post consumer recycled materials.
• Make a personal wedding blog where guests can RSVP to reduce the amount of postage. This can also be a great way to promote eco-friendly hotels and transportation options to your out of town guests. 

1. Use Wedding Favors that will last beyond your wedding day; being meaningful, creative and personal.Tree In A Box allows a forest to be planted in your honor and can be used to offset the carbon generated by your wedding. Soy candles, organic cloth tote bags or tree seedlings will be here and produce memories long after the big day.
2.  Attire. There are a lot of stylish earth friendly options out there:

• Wear a vintage or second hand wedding gown. Search wedding stores in your area or on the web that rent or sell used gowns: they are everywhere these days; the choices are gorgeous and they save money!!
• Opt for a gown made of hemp, bamboo, organic cotton or other eco-friendly material.
• Have your bridal party pick out dresses that they like and will likely wear again.
• Use natural hair and makeup products and green stylists.

1. Serve local and in-season food items. Transportation of food is a major contributor to carbon emissions, so buy as local as possible.

Couples no longer need sacrifice quality and style in order to lessen their impact, and going green isn’t as complicated as it once was. Make simple choices that will significantly reduce your carbon footprint on your wedding day and we’ll all breathe easier and healthier.

Tree House II

Tree Houses have to be the GREATEST spaces!

As an architect, space transforms me.  I FEEL a basement, I FEEL a large sunny room and I FEEL trees! And to be UP in them!  Since I haven’t climbed trees much in the last few decades (a situation I intend to remedy) I have been exploring treehouses.  Above is one I haven’t been in, YET!  It is made of bent wood, is mostly open and puts you in the midst of pines.  The smell on a warm day must be amazing.

In between more major posts I will be posting Great Tree Houses.  If you know of some, send me pictures or links.  I am boarding my parents at one in Southern Oregon in August and I am sending a friend in Sweden to the ones opening next week per the last post.

Open space, High Oxygen levels, those yummy Phytocides: (http://ow.ly/28Mee)

Live up amongst the trees

This hotel, is made of specially coated aluminum that will be nearly transparent when viewed from within, so that you are enfolded by the forest that you are within.  The exterior will mirror the surroundings, thus making you almost invisible to those outside your haven.

The plan is multi-level with enclosed and exterior spaces and an electrically heated floor to ecologically maintain comfortable temps. It opens July17^th of this year along with 5 other Tree Hotels (which we will feature in coming posts), so we will get info on how to book these amazing rooms (and determine whether you need to shinny up the trunk to get to the space!)

Experience staying close to nature in a place of great natural beauty where joyful childhood memories of tree forts can be relived in a comfortable, sophisticated and ecological environment: Booking details to come: if you’d like us to email you with details comment below.

Multilevel plans for Tree Hotel 1

Despite being the centerpiece of celebrations all over the world, firework displays unfortunately release lots of toxic chemicals into the environment, from heavy metals to perchlorate. The American Pyrotechnics Association estimates that typically there are around 18,000 fireworks shows occurring across the U.S. on the Fourth of July. Surprisingly, this does not include backyard fireworks, which have grown quite rapidly throughout the past 10 years or so.

Since 2000, sales have practically doubled for backyard fireworks, meaning that over 238 million pounds of fireworks are fired off every year. An article written by Brian Severin, states: “Fireworks are propelled by black powder, also known as gunpowder. This substance consists of an oxidizer (potassium nitrate), a fuel (carbon), and an accelerant (sulfur). For every 270 grams of black powder used, 132 grams of carbon dioxide are created, the rest of it turning into potassium sulfide and nitrogen. It is estimated that the annual U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from fireworks is 60,340 tons or the same emissions from 12,000 cars on the road for a year.”

Furthermore, an article published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology in 2009 found that, following a fireworks display, the amount of perchlorate in bodies of water within close proximity, often increased anywhere from 24 to 1,068 times the amount present before the fireworks. It is estimated that it takes between 20 to 80 days before the chemical levels subside.

Considering all this, what would it take to offset this significant amount of carbon emission that our patriotic celebrations cause each year? Well, one simple answer is to plant more trees. Calculating it out, it would take the entire lifetime of 5,000 trees to offset the 60,000 tons of carbon emissions produced in this one day. Some environmentalists are suggesting different types of fireworks that are more environmentally friendly. Although these “green” fireworks are known to be nitrogen-rich, allowing for less smoke and a cleaner burn; the down side is the higher cost of “green” fireworks still remains a obstruction for wider acceptance.
Read more: http://bit.ly/cMefxO or  http://bit.ly/9YmBTf

Photograph by: Evrim Icoz

Written by: Adrienne Carlson

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first non-profit wedding-wish-granting foundation. On the order of the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, it grants weddings to people suffering life-threatening illnesses.

Wish Upon a Wedding provides couples with the opportunity to share their special day without having to worry about the many costs and troubles that go along with their existing illness. Just launched in January 2010, they already have over a dozen chapters around the United States; Portland, Oregon’s chapter is designated for all those within a 300-mile radius, who may need this amazing gift.

On Monday June 28^th, Wish Upon a Wedding Portland Chapter held its launch party. As people began to fill up a conference room of the Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center, you could feel the vibrant energy all around you.  The room was extravagantly decorated in shades of blue and an excellent duo was singing in the back corner.  It was exciting to see the number of people willing to participate in such a splendid foundation.  Not only were there individuals, curious as to what Wish Upon a Wedding entailed, but there were a number of businesses displaying their products, all of which were also sponsoring the event!

Kris, Megan and I enjoyed meeting a variety of people who were looking forward to participating with Wish Upon a Wedding by donating products and services. We met people such as: Evrim Icoz, the excellent photographer who shot the entire night; Vanessa Harris, a local caterer; Cindy Rosen, owner of Encore Events; and Cheri Hanson, director of membership for the GMIC (Green Meetings). Cheri Hanson is also the director of Sales for the Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center, where she focuses on environmentalism and even used Treeinabox for Earth Day.

It was great to see how many people were eager to get involved, and it was absolutely wonderful to see how moving the actual gift of a wedding was to those individuals who had previously been granted a wedding. Wish Upon a Wedding is a phenomenal foundation that is focused on sharing the gift of love to those in need, and Treeinabox is looking forward to sharing our trees as a wedding favor for these special couples.

Written by: Adrienne Carlson

Photos taken by: Evrim Icoz

Trees of Laurelhurst Park

The Trees of Laurelhurst Park

There over 1000 trees in Laurelhurst Park and 115 different species.  They are very tall and old and young and bubbly-trunked (one of my favorites: the sycamore!); they are green and red and blue (one is the weirdest green then blue I’ve ever seen); they are powerful and yet they gentle the space.  

To be in this park is to feel green seep into your energetic field.  I have never walked into the park and not come out happier…

A real estate brochure from 1913 says: “Nature has bestowed upon this beauty spot her choicest favors with marvelous prodigality.”

My living room window looks out at a line of Douglas Firs with Dawn and Coastal Redwood, Sycamore and Cedar in the background.  To watch them change seasons, thus colors and textures is the view I try to sit with an hour each day.

There is a wonderful map and I will follow up this post with the means to get this map called “The Trees of Laurelhurst Park” and a little more on the fascinating history.

Thanks,  Kristine Akins