BRANCHING OUT

HOW FORESTS CAN TEACH US TO BECOME BETTER HUMANS

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THE WISDOM IN THE TREES

These days, it’s far too easy to feel disconnected. After navigating nearly two years of social isolation, a divided political landscape and seemingly non-stop news frenzies, it’s practically inevitable. However, the key to solving societies’ troubles might be right in front of us, living below the trees of old-growth forests. In the mid-90s, ecologist Suzanne Simard hypothesized that trees in these ecosystems might be acting as one society, versus existing as individual species motivated by self-interest. But it gets even more fascinating: The way that forests are able to operate in this manner is due to a phenomenon called the “Mycorrhizal Network,” an incomprehensibly complex system of subterranean fungus. Just like magic mushrooms, these fungal networks are nothing short of enchanting.

WE ARE ALL ONE

In old-growth forests, the most ancient and well-connected trees are called the “Mother Trees,” as they nurture their neighbors and bind the forest together. According to Simard’s research, these matriarchs can be connected to hundreds of other trees, allowing the whole forest to communicate, send chemicals and alarm signals when they sense danger, and operate as one “super-organism.” Mother Trees serve as the COOs of the entire forest, working tirelessly to ensure that each plant is healthy and engaged in the larger group. 

Just like trees in a forest, we’re all part of one greater consciousness. Though not connected by physical fungal threads like the Mycorrhizal Network, it’s clear that humans are connected to one another in other ways. If trees can form this level of harmony and togetherness with countless different species, it’s logical to assume that humans can do so with one another. A classic Buddhist philosophy is the illusion of “self,” when in reality, we are all operating as parts of a whole. 

THE MYCORRHIZAL NETWORK

Most people know mushrooms as small, hooded structures of fungus poking out of fallen trees or the forest floor. Most of the organism, however, exists below the ground in the form of tiny, root-like threads called mycelium. These fungal strings are extensive, and by connecting to the roots of the surrounding foliage, they act as conduits for plants to exchange the resources and chemical signals necessary for survival. In old-growth forests, they form a natural circuit board called the “Mycorrhizal Network,” that allows individual plants to communicate with the larger whole and act as one “super-organism.” By tracing the flow of chemicals through these miraculous networks, scientists have found that these ancient forests are in fact complex societies that celebrate diversity, value the collective, share with their neighbors and protect their most vulnerable.

THERE IS STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY

One catalyst that led to the discovery of the Mycorrhizal Network was a study that revealed the vulnerability of homogeny. Scientists planted Douglas Fir trees in a plot of land and noticed that they began to die, even though they had plenty of water, sunlight and space to grow. Simard thought to look under the soil for the answer, and she soon discovered the culprit of the trees' struggle – sameness. According to Simard’s research, trees are far more vulnerable to disease when other species are removed from their vicinity. This occurs because trees in old-growth forests use the complex fungal networks to exchange resources with a multitude of plants, not just those of their kind. With this strategy, each tree can compensate for its shortcomings by receiving vital nutrients – like carbon, nitrogen and water – from other species. 

In day-to-day life, we don’t always remember that those who seem different from us actually may have a set of strengths, capabilities and perspectives that we don’t. By allowing everyone to come to the table, we’re able to widen the talent pool and enjoy the best parts of everyone.

HELP THOSE IN NEED

Trees deeply understand the importance of caring for their neighbors in need. Simard realized, when studying the old-growth forest ecosystem, that trees will altruistically lend their resources to other, weaker trees, even at their own expense. For example, older, more established trees will send carbon and water to nearby seedlings (baby trees) to help them survive, even if they’re a different species. According to The New York Times, her study found that seedlings that were connected to the Mycorrhizal Network were 26% more likely to survive that those that weren’t. 

Forests understand that a society is only as strong as its weakest link. By supporting those in need, it ultimately elevates the health of the forest as a whole, thus benefiting the generous trees in the end. Similarly, when nations lend resources and opportunities to those that need it – including the sick, elderly and those with little economic power, among others – it has been proven to deeply benefit the society. For example, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that raising wages for low-income workers and providing them with economic opportunities is one of the best ways to raise a country’s GDP. By helping others we can help the whole, making the world a better place for people of all backgrounds.

COOPERATION IS KEY

Traditionally, evolution has taught us that, in order for a species to succeed and reproduce, it’s a game of “survival of the fittest.” Rugged individualism is readily preached in our society, especially in the Capitalist haven of the United States. Suzanne Simard, however, discovered that this philosophy might not paint the whole picture. In fact, she found that cooperation between species is equally as important as competition for survival, and subscribing solely to the “every man for himself” attitude is not evolutionarily helpful. The relationship between Birch trees and Douglas Firs demonstrates this notion beautifully. In one study, Simard found that Douglas Fir trees received carbon reserves from Deciduous Birch in the summer when they were mainly in the shade. In the fall, when the Birch trees lost their leaves, Douglas Fir sent over their carbon reserves in return. According to The New York Times, this complex relationship has been deemed a “friendship” by some scientists in the field. 

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives and live on an island of our own desires. But trees teach us the importance of working together and building trusting relationships for long-term success. That best friend you’ve had since the 6th grade? That’s the type of relationship that keeps you going and supports you in our times of need. Having deep connections with others is essential to living not just a prosperous life, but a joyful one. 

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