Forest Talk: How Trees Communicate

Gr 4–8—Though some humans (like the Mbuti Pygmies in the Democratic Republic of Congo) respect and treasure the gifts of trees, overall deforestation is increasing worldwide. Koch (3D Printing: The Revolution in Personalized Manufacturing) covers tree basics (types, anatomy) and details how trees fit into the water cycle, the carbon cycle, and the ways they contribute to a healthy environment. Koch includes research on "mother trees," the mycorrhizal network some trees use for communication, and new discoveries about life in the forest canopy. The final chapter outlines next steps students can take to help forests survive, so that shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing" (immersing oneself among trees to renew body and mind) will continue to be an option for all. Clear photos and graphics enhance understanding, and source notes, a glossary, a selected bibliography, further information, and an index make this helpful for study. Scientist profiles highlight some of the researchers whose works appear in the book.