Evergreen Western Ghats

"Since humans first utilized wood for fire, tools and utensils, certain trees have held a special significance as both practical providers and powerful spiritual presences. The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic areas, but those held to be 'sacred' shared certain traits in common - unusual size or beauty, the wide range of materials they provided, unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the tree's spirit could grant it a central place in the folklore and mythology of a culture. Even today, certain trees capture our imagination. The majestic oak, the ancient yew, the evergreens we bring into our homes each winter - all are reminders of the power that trees can have in our lives."

Jennifer Smith, Sacred Woods and the Lore of Trees

Tree on a Hill-way 2

"Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away; and if they could, they would still be destroyed, chased and hunted down as long as fun or a dollar could be got out of their bark hides, branching horns, or magnificent bole backbones. Few that fell trees plant them; nor would planting avail much towards getting back anything like the noble primeval forests. During a man's life only saplings can be grown, in place of old trees — tens of centuries old — that have been destroyed. It took more than three thousand years to make some of the trees in these Western woods, — trees that are still standing in perfect strength and beauty, waving and singing in the mighty forests of the Sierra. Through all the wonderful, eventful centuries since Christ's time — and long before that — God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods, but he cannot save them from fools — only Uncle Sam can do that."

- John Muir

Tree on a Hill-way

"When walking through a warm and lush forest setting one's thoughts can easily take flights of fancy. It is not difficult to shed the layers of modern life and find one's more subtle or primitive beginnings. Somewhere from deep within the spirit and majesty of each single tree steps forth and at once one can find themselves transported to a world of shadow and shade."

Morgan La Fey, Sacred Trees

Banyan Tree in Kannur

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself."
- John Muir

This huge Banyan Tree stands in the compound of the Kannur Science Park

Tree at Birla Mandir Delhi

Under the Greenwood Tree

by William Shakespeare


Under the greenwood tree
Who loves to lie with me,
And turn his merry note
Unto the sweet bird's throat,
Come hither, come hither, come hither:
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather.

Who doth ambition shun,
And loves to live i' the sun,
Seeking the food he eats,
And pleas'd with what he gets,
Come hither, come hither, come hither:
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather.

The Sound of the Trees

I wonder about the trees.
Why do we wish to bear
Forever the noise of these
More than another noise
So close to our dwelling place?
We suffer them by the day
Till we lose all measure of pace,
And fixity in our joys,
And acquire a listening air.
They are that that talks of going
But never gets away;
And that talks no less for knowing,
As it grows wiser and older,
That now it means to stay.
My feet tug at the floor
And my head sways to my shoulder
Sometimes when I watch trees sway,
From the window or the door.
I shall set forth for somewhere,
I shall make the reckless choice
Some day when they are in voice
And tossing so as to scare
The white clouds over them on.
I shall have less to say,
But I shall be gone.

Robert Frost

Tree looking Heaven

"Tree at my window, window tree,
My sash is lowered when night comes on;
But let there never be curtain drawn
Between you and me.
Vague dream-head lifted out of the ground,
And thing next most diffuse to cloud,
Not all your light tongues talking aloud
Could be profound.
But tree, I have seen you taken and tossed,
And if you have seen me when I slept,
You have seen me when I was taken and swept
And all but lost.
That day she put our heads together,
Fate had her imagination about her,
Your head so much concerned with outer,
Mine with inner, weather."

Robert Frost

Trees Standing in lines

"The Zen practitioner goes, seeing the mountain leisurely,
His mind is set free, the path is immensely wide.
The mountain is high with stones resting on stones,
The forest is deep with trees standing in lines and rows.
The silver stream shines on the shore of enlightenment.
The blue sky reflects the mystery light,
Form and emptiness are gone to an end,
The two extremes are dropped; there is no middle."

Bhikkhuni Chi Kien (Dang Thi Muoi)

Rivers

The lifeline of the world's life is water and rivers are one of the main sources of earth's freshwater. As the demand for water grows for drinking, agriculture and industry the rivers are fast drying that they no longer reach where they used to go. We should all consider that the rivers are the property of the society and should be using it as a borrowed asset. Our ancestors could keep it to hand over these to us and will be able to give it to our children in this healthy way? The river shores are great places for trees to grow. They propagate without any active intervention of humans. Trees help to reduce the speed of the river and rivers help the trees have water all year along. Thus helping mutually they help us to live here. Its our duty to protect our rivers. Rivers should not be considered as profit making machines. They are our life itself. We should not let anymore rivers to die.

Beautiful Tree

Even when changing with seasons, a tree stands unchanged. Its beauty is increasing everyday whatever its age be. With some magic it absorbs all those unwanted things from the air and sends out the essentials for the animals to live. Taking things from surroundings and soil and using light what these trees make are the only thing we have to eat in this world. No technology could so far convert the solar energy into a form that can directly be used for us to survive. They are magnificent gigantic beautiful and full of energy. Hey tree, I salute you.

Tree at Bekal Fort

This is a paalamaram, called so in Malayalam has its scientific name Alstonia scholaris. This big tree stands tall at Bekal fort, in Kasaragod district Kerala.

Red Flames

With flames and catching the attention of anyone passing by, this tree is a fast grower. Ideal for any weather conditions it can sustain all draughts. As the flowers are ready to fall they will be carpeting the surroundings in red. A native of Madagascar, it is used as an ornamental tree everywhere in the world. Known in various names such as Gulmohar, Peacock Flower, Flame of the Forest, and one of several named the Flame tree.

Embraced in Death too!

These are two trees. Both dead. But like when they were living, they are still standing embraced not letting the other one fall.

Appiko Movement

In 1950, Uttara Kannada district forest covered more than 81 percent of its geographical area. The government, declaring this forest district a "backward" area, then initiated the process of "development". There major industries - a pulp and paper mill, a plywood factory and a chain of hydroelectric dams constructed to harness the rivers - sprouted in the are. These industries have overexploited the forest resource, and the dams have submerged huge-forest and agricultural areas. The forest had shrunk to nearly 25 percent of the district's area by 1980. The local population, especially the poorest groups, were displaced by the dams. The conversion of the natural mixed forests into teak and eucalyptus plantations dried up the water sources, directly affecting forest dwellers. In a nutshell, the three major p's - paper, plywood and power - which were intended for the development of the people, have resulted in a fourth p: poverty. Read on

Van Mahotsav - Tree Festival

Van Mahotsav got started in the year 1950 in India to create an enthusiasm in the mind of the people for the conservation of forests and planting of trees and it was also hoped that it would create tree consciousness among the people.

Van Mahotsav, a week long festival of tree planting is organised every year in the month of July for a whole week all across India and millions of trees are planted.

The main purpose for planting the trees during Van Mahotsav was to:

Provide fuel and thus release cow dung for use as manure.

Increase production of fruits and add to the potential food resources of the country.

Help creation of shelter-belts around agricultural fields to increase their productivity.

Provide fodder leaves for cattle to relieve intensity of grazing over reserved forests.

Provide shade and ornamental trees for the landscape.

Provide small poles and timber for agricultural implements, house construction and fencing.

Help conservation of soil and further deterioration of soil fertility.

Inculcate tree consciousness and love of trees amongst the people.

Popularize the planting and tending of trees in farms, villages, municipal and public lands for their aesthetic, economic and protective needs.

Bahai Faith and Environment

The Bahai faith underlines the need for environmental protection. They are committed to the welfare of the Nature. Quoting them: "In many regions of the world, the assault on rain forests and endangered species comes as the poor, legitimately seeking a fair share of the world's wealth, fell trees to create fields. They are unaware that, over the long term and as members of a world community which they know little about, they may be irretrievably damaging rather than improving their children's chances for a better life. Any attempt to protect nature, must, therefore, also address the fundamental inequities between the world's rich and poor." This picture is the Bahai's Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India. It is a very beautiful structure in a more beautiful surrounding with a nice garden encircling it.

Banyan Tree

Banyan trees are revered and protected in everywhere in India. It can be seen along roads and in temple premises.
As the tree start to bear fruits, birds will flock around the tree. The birds will bring seeds of other trees as well letting new plants to grow around the Banyan tree. For anyone who wish to make a forest of his own, the Banyan tree is an ideal plant to start with.

Barefoot college

Barefoot college (Social Work and Research Centre) is an Non-governmental organization founded by Bunker Roy in 1972 at Tilonia, Rajasthan, India.The organization was started to solve grave problems like drinking water, girl education, health & sanitation, rural unemployment, income generation, electricity and power, as well as social awareness and the conservation of ecological systems in rural India.

Here's a note from their site on how they changed barren or desert-like land into a green place by Planting Trees.

"Most of the wasteland in Rajasthan is barren because of over grazing and desert-like conditions. The Barefoot College helps rural communities to regenerate this land. The College by providing seedlings from its nursery of drought-resistant trees, shrubs, and grasses, has developed more than 500 hectares of wastelands into pasturelands. The villagers had since 1980 taken up the responsibility of planting trees to develop the wastelands. These have now been handed over to the villagers who maintain them."

See how the trees are able to bring sea changes even to deserts. Once become trees these saplings hold the soil tightly preventing erosion. The roots as well as the fallen leaves then act as sponge to hold the rain water from easily evaporating and running away.

Forest Environment

A forest is an wholly dependent society in itself. It does not require any supply from outside. The varied animal and plant life in the forest can never be artificially created. Most forests are very sensitive to outside intervention too. It is very sophisticated. The plants and animals in this environment are dependent on one another for the perfect unison of the eco-system. Humans are the greatest threat to the forests in the world. Even when we depend on the plant kingdom of the forest for the regular supply of fresh water and fresh air, we fail to recognise the use of the forest and destroying it for the temporary gain of the present living. There are not much forest left in the world. And it is our duty to the posterity that no more forests are destroyed. This picture is taken from the Western Ghats, in the Maharashtra section of the Konkan railways.

Trees at Rajghat

This Tree is from Rajghat, the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. Rajghat in Delhi is the cremation site of Gandhiji, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who is most reveredly remembered as the Father of Nation. This memorial is located between the main Ring Road which is now known as the Mahatma Gandhi Road and the banks of the Yamuna River, just southeast of Red Fort. Set amidst deep green lawns and fountains, Rajghat is surrounded by a lovely wooded area and several exotic trees creating a serene ambience.
There are trees labeled near the platform planted by visiting dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, Ho Chi Minh, the former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitman and the former US president Dwight Eisenhower.

The Value of Trees

How can we determine the value of trees? How can we measure the monetary value of the services and products a tree gives us. "Trees Make Effective Sound Barriers, Trees Produce Oxygen,Trees Become Carbon Sinks,Trees Clean the Air,Trees Shade and Cool,Trees Act as Windbreaks,Trees Fight Soil Erosion,Trees Increase Property Values" so says Steve Nix. A discussion can be seen here about the value of a tree. Even when they are interesting to read I doubt whether the true value of a tree can ever be measured in monetary terms.

Amazing Western Ghats

The Western Ghats is an ecologically sensitive region in India and was declared an ecological hotspot in 1988. Though this area covers barely five percent of India's land, 27% of all species of higher plants in India (4,000 of 15,000 species) are found here. Almost 1,800 of these are endemic to the region. The range is home to at least 84 amphibian species, 16 bird species, seven mammals, and 1,600 flowering plants which are not found elsewhere in the world.

The Government of India established many protected areas including 2 biosphere reserves, 13 National parks to restrict human access, several wildlife sanctuaries to protect specific endangered species and many Reserve Forests, which are all managed by the forest departments of their respective state to preserve some of the ecoregions still undeveloped. Many National Parks were initially Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve comprising 5500 km² of the evergreen forests of Nagarahole, deciduous forests of Bandipur National Park and Nugu in Karnataka and adjoining regions of Wayanad and Mudumalai National Park in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu forms the largest contiguous protected area in the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats in Kerala is home to numerous serene hill stations like Munnar, Ponmudi and Waynad. The Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is among the last tracts of virgin tropical evergreen forest in India. This tree stands in the Waynad portion the Western Ghats.

"..trees shall be my books"

".........these trees shall be my books
And in their barks my thoughts I'll character;
That every eye which in this forest looks
Shall see thy virtue witness'd every where."


As you like it
William Shakespeare

Big Trees Standing Tall

Big Trees are always a feast to the eyes. It will not let you go without taking your attention. A part of the tropical forest, this tree is in Kottiyoor. Tropical rain forests are rich and diverse with plants and animals. Human intervention is fast making the life of the forest difficult. Environmentally very sensitive forests like this are easily destroyed for the wood and animals and the precious treasures the forest encompasses within itself.

Importance of Planting Trees

Trees are one of the most beautiful creations of Nature. The size, shape, age, variety and everything a tree has is wonderful. When you see a big or old tree chances are high that it is planted by an old generation. We should be able to keep this continuity going forward for the generations to come. We have trees standing high for fifty centuries. We are lucky to see them because they are protected for ages. What are the things that we should do to carry forward this blessing. Two of the best things are Planting new Trees and protecting old ones. At a time and place when enemies galore it is very important to take active interventions for the protection of trees. If they could talk or move they would have somehow managed to escape from humans. But since they are speechless and motionless it is our duty to protect them.
Anytime of the year is apt for planting tress. If the season is rainy a simple fencing is all needed to protect a tree for sometime. Active followup is needed to ensure that the fence and sapling is okay. Watering is necessary for seasons other than rainy ones. But this idea too is good because by the time the rains come, our plant will be ready with its roots firmly on the ground to stand all by its own. So come on Let us Plant A Tree today itself. Once it is grown up you will be a proud owner of a tree. You will definitely feel proud on a future day when you see a pedestrian resting below, children playing around or a couple romancing beside. Birds sitting on it will thank you with a morning song.

Summer Solace

In North India during the Summer the outside temperature is too high to stay outside. People find solace under Neem trees which are famed for its ability to cool the surroundings. This shot is from Rajastan where the heat is the highest. This tree stands in a railway station. Indian railway protects trees than any other institution here. One can see such trees all along the railway stations.

A Journey to the forest

Just to escape from the mundane days, we had a short trip to the nearby forest at Kannavam last week. Very refreshing and very dense the feeling of the journey is here to stay. Sharing with you a small mud path into the wild. Clear-felling of the forest is threatening the entire ecosystem of this evergreen forest.

Full Bloom Mango Tree

Here's a Mango Tree in full bloom. India is the largest producer of Mangoes. Mangoes retain a special significance in the culture of South Asia where they have been cultivated for millennia. It has been the national fruit of India, Bangladesh and Philippines. Reference to mangoes as the "food of the gods" can be found in the Hindu Vedas and the leaves are ritually used for floral decorations at Hindu marriages and religious ceremonies. Learn everything about mango here

Who plants a Tree plants....

WHAT does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants not just a tree, but....
Read the complete song here.

Spoorthivana

"35 Kms away from Bangalore city on way to Magadi, near the confluence of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers; SPOORTHIVANA – a dream project for preserving all your cherished memories by planting saplings, has come up in 300 acres of sprawling terrains belonging Karnataka Government at TG Halli (Thippagondanahalli) reservoir catchment area. Details here
The site is worth visiting. What I like about them is the reasons they give for Tree Planting. "Just plant a tree. It evolves itself by adjusting to the changes of the nature. Gives shelter to innumerable birds, insects and animals. Absorbs poisonous gases that heat up the earth. Prevents soil erosion, preserves moisture and enriches fertility of the land. Grows as a gigantic, marvelous creation that stands as a treasure chest of your memories!".

Amma on Planting Trees

This article is a free condensed translation of a weekly article written by Matha Amrithanandamayi in Mathrubhumi daily


"My dear children

Amma has reiterated that there should be nothing in our actions that would scuttle the equilibrium of nature. The scientific Community too tells that. Still it is doubtful whether anyone is actually engaging in Nature Conservation activities. In this respect the Westerners are  far ahead of us. In Alappat panchayath where a lot of people are killed in the Dec 2004 Tsunami, there grows now more than a hundred thousand Tulsi plants. This feat is possible only due to two German girls of the Ashram who travel six kilometers by bicycle every morning to tend them. Now the locals too help them. They have very well realised the greatness  of Tulsi.

But what are we doing now? We are planting trees for Industries only, clearing our native ones. Those trees lack immunity to diseases and require fertilisers and pesticide to survive. At the place where our native flowers stood now stands cactus. It shows the change happened to the human mind. Our ancestors used to put various medicinal flowers and leaves in water and used to drink it. They did not have to use any kind of medicines or tonics. This water itself was acted as their medicine. Their medicinal value are now scientifically proven, still we are not giving enough importance to them.

Guests were given tender coconuts in those days. Now it has given way to tea or coffee or colas. Our children has turned into cola drinkers. Lemon juice was readily available in all petty shops till recently, now it is very rare and only coloured juices are available in shops. Rubber an vanilla are cultivated at the place of coconuts and oranges. It is not due to the love of Nature, but the profit margin only.

For some years now Amma's children are celebrating Vrishchikam first(A Malayalam month starting  around mid-November), a by Planting Trees. The devotees intend to go to Sabarimala temple start the 41 day long vrata on that day. During the 41 days' of rituals and vratha the plant is watered everyday. The Plant is revered as holy and worshipped as a symbol of Nature. We are all dependent on Nature. Realisation of this helps us to remove our selfishness. When one sees himself as part of the Nature itself he realises he and Nature are not two but a single entity. People who love Nature are the real treasure of any Nation. "

Trees' afterlife

While alive it was a haven for birds and small animals. Birds came to nest and eat the fruits. People came to rest below. Its shade was the coolest thing in the wild. Now its fallen. Its life is over. The last energy left is being imparted to the fungi. Photo from Kuruva Island

Trees in Beach

Usually beaches are devoid of any trees. Beaches are for sands, not trees. But some trees can change the very nature of the beaches tremendously. Wherever trees exist in beaches they will be used during times other than evenings. Trees give nice attraction too to beaches. Here's a picture from Colva Beach, Goa.

Trees Storing Water

Trees hold water in their trunk. The amount of water stored varies from type to type.
Baobab trees can store up to 120,000 litres of water in their trunk! Depending on the season and availabilty this varies from region to region. They store this water for their need when water is not available. Another tree with high capacity to store water is Terminalia elliptica. Its very common in the Western Ghats. It has a very thick and rough skin and growing tall. This picture is taken at Kuruva Island. The swelling may be due to some disease. But I find it interesting. I like to think it as a water tank built for storing extra water.

Trees and Shade

The shade casted by trees make beautiful and marvelous designs. They change with time and season. Watching them is equivalent to watching a nice art exhibition. Surrealistic are the shades. Your imagination is your limit. Why the shade, just look up to see the pattern of this forest brings. Are these patterns made deliberately by someone above? Or is it just the magic of the trees? This picture is taken on the way to Kuruva Island. If you wish to enjoy Nature at its virgin best, don't miss the chance to visit this place. More pictures from the island soon.

Western Ghats and Trees

Western Ghats is a long mountain range almost 1600 km long in the south western shore of India. Thick green vegetation is the first thing to be noticed in this region. These mountain range stops the clouds from the arabian sea to produce heavy rains and is one of the most raining places in the world. This tree stands in a forest in Brahmagiri mountainrange in Kerala. Standing like a king with all forest background I liked this one very much

Tall Trees

Trees standing taller than the surrounding level is a beautiful thing to see. Standing tall, they call the attention of anyone passing by. With clear blue sky in the background I liked this picture for its cleanliness. A crow can be seen sitting atop. Usually college gardens in these area are having only small flowering plants and bush type plants only. This tree is in the garden of Devagiri College, Kozhikode, one of the famous arts college in Malabar region of Kerala. This college has a nice atmosphere with importance is given to the conservation of trees. Many trees can be seen in and around the garden and are well protected.

Rivers and Trees

Rivers and Trees. They are synonymous. Rivers provide excellent surroundings for the growth of trees. And in return trees give rivers its attraction. Trees along river are naturally very green or evergreen. Most of them bears seeds or fruits thus supporting large bird and animal life. The roots helps to lessen the spped of the flowing water and is a haven for fish and other water-borne animals. Trees and river is a full ecosystem all by itself. This bridge is at Iritty built more than eighty years ago.

Shade of Trees

No other shade can give so cool a cover that Tree can provide. As time pass by, trees in a forest will lean towards any available opening. Since not much space left in tropical forests the most available space will be that above rivers. In time all the space above small rivers will be filled by trees that someone watching the forest from above will not notice a river flows there. The sight from the river will be the most cherishing view with lush thick green cover filling the entire river atmosphere. As the available sunlight reaching the river is less owing to the canopying of the tree shade, the water in the river will be very cool. Here's a view of a river through a forest near Nedumpoil where an ancient Vishnu temple exists.

Silhouette of a Tree

Here's the silhouette of a tree against the sky. The intrinsic patterns formed are a scene to watch. Changing instantly with the breeze, the patters formed brings various images to the mind. Hands widely spread out into the air what might be this tree asking the heaven?

Another Road with a Tree.

Here's another picture of a tree at Wayanad .

Roads with Trees Along...

Anybody who love to drive would like roads with trees standing along. The shade, the canopy of the branches hanging into the road is a pleasure to see. Walking is a joy if trees are there in the sideways of the roads. Chances are high to spot some birds and squirrels depending on the density of the shades nd trees. This photo is from Panamaram, Wayanad district, Kerala .

Golden Shower Tree

In Kerala, this is the official state flower. Flowering in April, at least one tree can be seen in most households.
During the Vishu festival marking the harvesting season in Kerala seeing this flower first is considered auspicious. The roadsides during April will be a sight to be seen with kaNikkonna, (the Malayalam name for this tree) yellowing the roads. Some medicinal properties of this tree can be seen here

Standing Below a Tree

This tree stands at the Botanical garden in Ooty . One of the several large trees in this garden, many of which are very old. We will feel humbled by the sheer size of the tree and at the same feel a kind of safety too. If such a big tree can stay here for this long without disturbances this place is a safe one. Life is protected here. You are safe. Feel the atmosphere, the ambience and coolness that surrounds this area. Those people who planted these trees are no longer exists but their spirit will be around blessing you for having been around. Keep in mind that a tree can live without you but you can not live without a tree. Please plant and protect one.

Hands Spread Out...

Hands spread out into the heaven the tree stands here asking for blessings for all those passing by. She is ready to provide shelter to all. What is the particular pray this time? Since she has no leaves, is it for speedy regaining of leaves? Or more shade for the passerby? or for flowers for the birds and bees? or for fuits to the beaten traveller? May be for all. No doubt that its for some grace that is to be given to others not fot herself. Standing here for ages she has seen many people. Rich with experience she knows its a life lived for others. Let it stand there for ages.

"The Heart Of The Tree"

WHAT does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants a friend of sun and sky;
He plants the flag of breezes free;
The shaft of beauty, towering high.
He plants a home to heaven anigh
For song and mother-croon of bird
In hushed and happy twilight heard —
The treble of heaven's harmony —
These things he plants who plants a tree.

What does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants cool shade and tender rain,
And seed and bud of days to be,
And years that fade and flush again;
He plants the glory of the plain;
He plants the forest's heritage;
The harvest of a coming age;
They joy that unborn eyes shall see —
These things he plants who plants a tree.

What does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants, in sap and leaf and wood,
In love of home and loyalty
And far-cast thought of civic good —
His blessing on the neighborhood
Who in the hollow of His hand
Holds all the growth of all our land —
A nation's growth from sea to sea
Stirs in his heart who plants a tree


-Henry Cuyler

Can a Forest be Grown ?

Can a forest be made? be grown? At first it might seem impossible. But with some
attention, patience and will a forest can be made. Set aside a little space in your
backyard for a forest. It may seem leaving that space free form intervention is the
best way to grow a forest. But planting a few fruit bearing trees is a better option. As the trees grow and have fruits, birds will come from various parts. They will bring seeds with them. The next rain will show new plants sprouting. In time you will be a proud owner of a mysterious, thick, green forest. Does it worth keeping aside a little space just for a forest which would not give anything in return? This question was asked to me many times by many friends. The answer depends on how you view this little forest of yours. If you like birds chirping and the sound of water falling from trees even after the rain had gone or like to sit below the shade when the air is hot, or like to see squirrels running through it with noises or a wild flower blooming suddenly after the rains it is worth the effort. Or if your place is a lot bigger you will have a small stream formed inside your forest naturally. It would be the greatest treasure you might transfer to your generations to come.