For the Love of Trees

If you ever experience a time when nothing in your world makes sense, like possibly now, I want to suggest that you may find more comfort than you would expect in the company of a beautiful tree.  Trees offer up a multitude of incredible life lessons, and research has now proven what we always felt: they also support health and well-being.  Certainly in this unprecedented period of history you might consider taking a closer look at what trees can offer and find some time each day to spend around trees. You can even test this idea without stepping outdoors by taking a moment to gaze at a majestic beauty that stands tall in your garden or lines your street.  Can you feel your breathing slow? Can you feel that dose of calm? 

If you have spent time among trees for any length of time, you can certainly write your own list of lessons you were taught. These are three of my favorites:

1. A slow speed can be beneficial. Slow growth in trees leads to longevity and strength.
2. Old and strong go together. Trees grow more quickly with age and can improve in health rather than decline.
3. We need community. The majority of tree species thrive when grown in groups, often synchronizing and supporting one another.

I’ve been the fortunate recipient of a number of lessons from the giant live oak that fills my home office windows.  Nature provides us with an amazing example of resilience as well as adaptability if we only allow it to bear witness.

It is because of my deep love and connection with trees that I asked for the opportunity to write this new column.  At a time when health awareness is heightened on a global level, we should consider all of the simple, accessible ways to improve our sense of well-being that exist right in our community. I look forward to sharing with you each month the benefit of trees as well as introducing you to some trees of particular interest right here in San Marcos.

Have you met the Log Cabin Oaks of Moon Street? If you have not, I recommend you pay them a visit, because when you do, you are connecting with the early history of the city of San Marcos.

It was under the canopy of this grove of trees that early settlers constructed a log cabin that would serve as a school and community center for over 25 years. It was built of cedar, cypress and elm trees, all plentiful along the banks of the San Marcos River. In 1850, after the formation of Hays County, that same log cabin became the first municipal courthouse. 

In 1853 it transitioned into the home of the Presbyterian congregation, as well as serving as a Masonic lodge. Four years later, in 1857,  it was transformed once again into service as a Baptist church. Although the cabin was eventually destroyed by fire in 1874 and many of the original trees were removed for development, there are still five that proudly remain.

You can find the oaks and their historical marker on the 300 block of Moon Street. 

Written by Lauren Hubele, the newest member of SMGA’s Outreach Committee. She is an author and educator whose practice provides a framework for resolving chronic and acute conditions using gemmotherapy, homeopathy, and a plant-based diet.