Woman Spends 14 Years Photographing the World’s Oldest Trees

These incredible photographs honoring our Earth’s Ancient Trees were collected over 14 years by San Francisco California photographer Beth Moon.  She traveled the globe in search for the oldest trees and even ventured into the more remote locations.

“Many of the trees I have photographed have survived because they are out of reach of civilization; on mountainsides, private estates, or on protected land. Certain species exist only in a few isolated areas of the world.  For example; there are 6 species of spectacular baobabs, found only on the island of Madagascar. Sadly, the baobab is now one of the three most endangered species on the island.” (source)

Unfortunately, one of the only reasons many of these trees are still alive is because they are out of the reach of civilization.  They are growing on land that is private, protected, or hard to travel too.  It is sad to think that nature has to hide its treasures to keep them safe from the greed of the world.

Beth chose trees for her photos based on their size, age, and historical significance.  She did a lot of research before taking the photo’s which adds to their rich quality.

“Beth Moon’s stunning images capture the power and mystery of the world’s remaining ancient trees. These hoary forest sentinels are among the oldest living things on the planet and it is desperately important that we do all in our power to ensure their survival. I want my grandchildren – and theirs – to know the wonder of such trees in life and not only from photographs of things long gone. Beth’s portraits will surely inspire many to help those working to save these magnificent trees.” – Dr. Jane Goodall (source)

Nature is one of the most precious things we have left on this earth.  Trees, especially ancient trees produce huge amounts of life-giving oxygen while providing homes for animals.

Humans have subtly moved further away from balance with nature over the past few hundred years.  If we don’t change our ways we will add to the destruction of these natural habitats and do damage that is beyond repair.

If we want to preserve these incredible sights for future generations we have to learn to live in harmony will all life.

“It is a fact today that one in ten thousand of us can make a technological breakthrough capable of supporting all the rest.” – Buckminister Fuller

Renewable energy technologies are being discovered and improved every day.  Big groups are working to defund big oil and stop the deforestation industries in order to save these incredible trees.

Humans all over the globe are waking up and realizing that big change is needed to save and preserve beautiful ancient trees such as these.

If we look at our daily lives we are so wasteful as a species.  We produce so much trash and consume much more than we need.  Many things that we would assume isn’t related to trees actually add to the deforestation problem worldwide.

For example, 80% of all deforestation in the Amazon is for the beef industry. 

Were you also aware that the rain forests are disappearing at a rate of around 6000 acres an hour.  That is the same as 4000 football fields worth of trees being killed every hour.  That is an insane amount of consumption of something that took decades or more to grow.

Humans are the one’s causing the problem and we have the responsibility to solve it.  Two ways that you can start making a difference today is to spread awareness of the problem and make sure that you cut your consumer habits down as much as possible.

Research ways to start living in a way that is as renewable as possible.  Recycle, stop using plastic, cut back or completely eliminate meat, and make sure to get involved whenever you can with groups that are trying to change this world for the better.

Perhaps with enough people we will hit the tipping point and start making this world a better place before we loose many of these priceless treasures.

These images are just a small part of the wonder and treasure that this earth holds.  There are lessons in these enchanting trees.  Wisdom beyond our lifetime that will be priceless to future generations.

How we choose to honor life is very telling of our character and value as a conscious beings.

We are making a difference in this world, I know it feels like only a handful of people are fighting this fight.  The truth is that thousands of people are waking up and demanding change every single day.

What it really comes down to is us.  We need to start demonstrating to the world what it looks like to live sustainable lives that are in harmony with nature.

“I believe these symbolic trees will take on a greater significance, especially at a time when our focus is directed at finding better ways to live with the environment, celebrating the wonders of nature that have survived throughout the centuries. By feeling a larger sense of time, developing a relationship with the natural world, we carry that awareness with us as it becomes a part of who we are. I cannot imagine a better way to commemorate the lives of the world’s most dramatic trees, many which are in danger of destruction, than by exhibiting their portraits.”

Sources-

collective-evolution.com

Beth Moon

onegreenplanet.org