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1) I cannot personally relate to trees, forest, or nature... however, I do recall some symbolism for especially Japanese gardens - where I was walking through them with family and it was rather peaceful. I think greenery and tress overall offer peace of mind and connection to nature that is naturally calming. It is a break away from the noisy pollution people may experience in the modern world. Im aware of some trees maybe being symbolic of a lost loved one where one maybe has their ashes spread of is planted above the grave.

2) I'm part of my local green team for my high school. Together, we offer volunteer events where we plant trees and clean up local forests and trails (which there is also a trail stewardship club for). We also have "stream team" which is specifically for cleaning water ways and lakes. I think communities themselves are able to invest themselves more in volunteer events like this if they personally want to help towards the environment. One interesting thing my Green Team has taken up this year is the planting of a Nasa moon tree - it is a seed that was sent to space on an Artemis mission and we are planting it and studying it to see the affects low gravity had on its growth from a seedling, for research.

3) I think certain cultures place specific value more in nature than others which can alter the way one may value their own community's green space. I feel some asian cultures really value green space and nature as it is symbolic and peaceful. On the other hand, some people who grew up in urban areas or other cultures may not have the same view on trees in their local area - or value them for different reasons. My community specifically on the west coast does value the nature aspect that we have, a lot of my area is not entirely destroyed and is intermittently filled with forestry.

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1. One experience where a tree has had significant meaning to me is a tree that was dedicated to a friend that passed away. This tree was planted in memory of her and as time passed, I was able to watch the tree grow and the flowers blossom. This tree has definitely become a spot I visit often and shown me the beauty of growing and transformations.

2. One way individuals can help protect and preserve trees is by planting more in their yards at home. It will be extremely beneficial for the environment is more trees are planted, and if every home just plants one tree, that is so many trees already. Communities can also host tree planting events which will help with community involvement as well. However if there is a lack of community involvement, they can begin advertising about events which will also help create awareness.

3. The article highlighting the spiritual and cultural importance of trees has helped me appreciate the beauty of trees more. As I see trees every single day everywhere I go, I have gotten accustomed to them. However, thinking about how people see them as spiritual and how they have an impact in different cultures showed me the beauty of trees. Every tree is different in its own way and has helped me realize the importance of trees in our communities.

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1. Growing up, I didn’t live near much green space, but there was one valley that I visited a lot with tons of wheat. I have many good memories in that valley with my dog and picking grapes when it was harvesting season. My backyard was probably my biggest source of green space back then, and I have memories of tending the garden we had.

2. If the individuals are planting the trees, they can plant them during a rainy season to guarantee a moist environment for the seeds. Selecting suitable trees for the local area is also very important--bald cypress trees need lots of water while hackberry trees need little water. Of course, planting a tree for every single one that is cut down is also a measure that should be taken to prevent mass deforestation in areas that have a prevalent timber industry.

3. I sometimes forget that many species do rely on trees to survive--ranging from insects to birds. It provides them food, shelter, and of course it provides us humans with oxygen. The grand trees in my neighborhood also seem a little more special after reading the article. The spiritual connection present in different religions as well as their importance in many cultural stories make me appreciate their inherently strong and wise appearance as they grow. I also found the analogy between trees and humans very interesting--I hadn’t thought about that connection before.

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1) For me, trees have often served as a source of stability. When I was younger my dad built a treehouse in our backyard, and I enjoyed going there to play and relax. Since it was always there after rain and snow, I found comfort in it. Although I do not live at that home anymore, memories of that treehouse developed my understanding of trees as something stable and relaxing.

2) People should aim to restore ecosystems. Native plants will thrive better in an environment and contribute more benefits to the area. It is important to adapt to every region's needs and not assume that each area needs the same thing. People should clean up any trash they see even if it is not theirs. Additionally, communities should promote general awareness of the benefits of trees, like how the video introduced how trees draw down carbon. Sharing this knowledge will hopefully bolster motivation to protect trees.

3) This perspective makes me more appreciative of trees. Whenever I go to a place that is barren of trees, it feels more boring and lifeless. Trees create an environment that is comforting and inviting. I can see how elements like life, strength, and peace may be associated with trees. Knowing the different symbols of trees increases my curiosity regarding how my own friends and family perceive trees spiritually.

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1. I think trees have always held a significant meaning for me because they bring me a sense of calmness and also provide the clean air we breathe every second.

2. In order to protect and preserve the trees in their local area, people can take up on tree planting projects, use less paper, use FSC approved products, and also work to mitigate climate change.

3. I've always thought little of trees as they're always around me and have no significant impact on my everyday life but after watching the video, I had a new outlook on trees. The fact that the trees that I have always overlooked had a big impact on various cultures really fascinated me and helped me appreciate them more and acknowledge their importance.

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(I accidentally deleted my whole thing before submitted, so I'm going to paraphrase what I wrote)

1. I don't have much experience interacting with trees since I mostly stay indoors. One interesting story involving trees is the Yggdrasil tree from Norse mythology. It is a tree that supports the nine realms of the cosmos and is the cradle for all life. It symbolizes rebirth after Ragnorak and has many cool stories if you're into Norse mythology or fanfics.

2. Some ways to protect trees are to plant more trees, reduce risk of damaging trees, advocating for laws to reduce logging, volunteering for programs that participate in reforestation or sustainable practices, and spreading awareness through campaigns and education programs.

3. I originally have not put much meaning into trees since I've spent most of my life indoors. The articles have made me see new meaning in trees besides just having them to support the ecosystem and counteract climate change. I am left wondering if plastic trees can have the same symbolic meaning.

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1) I've never planted a tree before, but there's always a sense of calm I gain from being around them. I always thought nature felt significant to me because it's both familiar and always changing, whether it's the flowers in my garden or the changing colors of the four seasons. If things get stressful it's nice to just go for a walk outside and enjoy this comfort.

2) Individuals and communities can protect and preserve the trees in their local area by planting more trees in the area they own and supporting environmental organizations/groups. It doesn't necessarily have to be a lot of work, because every tree makes an impact, and there a lot of people within a community. I've definitely seen a lot of clubs at my school that promote this kind of work, and joining those would also be a way to protect trees.

3) This perspective broadens my view of trees as something much more impactful; the meaning of a tree differs based on each person's individual life and opinions. Some may values trees because of culture, some because of the environment, and some because of emotional sentiment. Not only does the view of trees change from person to person, the type of tree also varies the symbolism. I realized that trees really play a heavy role in the community as a whole, especially because they mean something different for each person's life.

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1. I had a personal connection to a tree in my hometown in Korea. In the neighborhood, there was a huge tree that had been there for a long time. As a child, I hugged the tree, and it felt so big compared to me at the time. Though it is probably still much larger, it was really inspiring how one thing could stay there for such a long time. Additionally, there is another story about trees that resonate with me. The book was titled "The Giving Tree." While the human protagonist kept requesting the tree for its resources, the tree provided everything for the human and sacrificed itself until its last day. Although I have assumed this story to apply to friendship or family relations in the past, it also connects to how people nowadays are treating nature. Nature won't always be there for humans and we are currently witnessing its limits.

2. We can prevent deforestation by establishing laws and enforcing them locally and globally. Additionally, individuals and communities can team up to plant trees and ensure no net loss in tree population. Since the loss of forests leads to habitat loss and a decrease in biodiversity, it is essential to educate children about the detrimental effects of deforestation and attempt to reverse the loss.

3. The articles emphasize the environmental and cultural significance of trees and nature in general. This perspective impacts my view on trees by placing more importance on their influence and potential to combat climate change. The cultural aspect adds historical context to protect the trees and understand how trees have benefited human civilizations in the past.

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1. In 6th grade during the height of COVID, I moved to a new neighborhood and therefore a new school. My first friend that I made at my old school lived in the same neighborhood as me, and when we went back to in-person learning, we would walk home from school together. One day, before walking home, we stopped by at a neighboring golf course and sat on a hill, talking for hours. There was greenery everywhere and the nature surrounding us made it a really peaceful experience.

2. Individuals and communities can either plant trees and take care of the greenery themselves around their area or they can advocate for more tree preservation laws and more green spaces like parks. Educating others on the importance of trees is another job that anybody can do within their community.

3. The spiritual importance of trees in certain cultures has made me realize that trees can be important not just for the survival of species physically, but also mentally. Recognizing trees as more than just things around us and seeing them as symbols of life and wisdom made me value them more, and can help others value them more to care for them. I also think that many works of art and literature use trees as symbolism, with many trees/greenery in more lively or peaceful settings and dead or bare trees in eerie settings, and the articles helped me appreciate them more.

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1. One experience I had was during my childhood in China, I planted a tree and it has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. Each year, whenever I return to see it, I am struck by how much it has grown. It reminds me of my own journey of growth and how things can change over time. Watching the tree grow connects me to my homeland in a special way unique to myself, giving me a sense of responsibility to nurture not just trees, but the environment as a whole.

2. Individuals and communities can do a lot to protect and care for trees. Planting trees, especially ones that naturally grow in the area, can help the environment as a whole. Teaching others about why trees are important and organizing activities can also make a big difference. People can support groups and laws that focus on preserving trees and using resources wisely. Even small things, like using less paper and choosing eco-friendly products, can help protect forests around the world.

3. Trees are important in many cultures and remind me of how connected we are to nature. In my daily life, I see trees as more than just plants—they are symbols of life and growth that we should respect. In my community, trees show how nature and people are linked, and they play a crucial role.

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1. During my childhood in Korea, I remember going hiking with my family which felt like a peaceful escape from the busy city. Sitting under the trees gave me a sense of calm and reflection. The connection to nature became a grounding experience, reminding me of the steady presence and quiet resilience that trees symbolize. It reminded me of the resilience that trees symbolize.

2. Steps that individuals can take to protect trees are planting more trees and protecting existing trees. Individuals can participate in community tree-planting events or even plant trees in personal spaces. While planting new trees is vital, preserving existing ones is just as crucial. Individuals can play a key role by advocating for the protection and expansion of urban green spaces, ensuring that mature trees continue to thrive and provide essential environmental and social benefits.

3. The articles highlight how trees symbolize strength, protection, and renewal in many cultures, making me appreciate them more deeply. Growing up in an area with many trees, I often took them for granted, seeing them as just part of the landscape. However, learning about their cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance has shifted my perspective, understanding that they hold meaning beyond their physical presence.

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1. I do not have any experiences where a tree held significant meaning to me, but when my family moved into our home several years ago, we chose the plants that we wanted to have in our backyard, and it's interesting to see how the plants have grown/changed throughout the seasons and years.

2. Planting trees is a really helpful way to preserve them, especially as deforestation is happening. However, if people plant trees, research should be done to make sure that they will benefit, not harm, the local ecosystem (i.e. native vs. invasive species). Carbon footprint can also be reduced, which can be done in small ways such as reusing objects instead of throwing them away, or conserving electricity.

3. While trees may be more important to some cultures than others, they are invaluable to everyone. When there is a lack of nature in an area, it feels empty. Having an abundance of trees is important, as they can reduce stress, and they also help our air quality.

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1. There was a chestnut tree near the temple my grandparents used to go to and they used to pick the chestnuts for me and my sister to eat. That's just a memorable experience that I have with a tree.

2. Communities can help by gathering and planting native trees in their local area or even cleaning the forests/parks nearby. There could be an organization just for planting trees and doing clean-ups in community parks in order to help the ecosystem thrive in the area. Individuals could also help by growing their own plants in their backyard or inside their house for a more eco-friendly environment.

3. This perspective is very influential to my view on different species of trees. Oak, willow, cherry blossom trees, etc. all have a significant meaning in cultures around the world and I think preserving every tree species is important to preserve the culture and traditions. Trees that are special to individuals are also very important for an individual's or a whole family's well-being as it said trees can bring peace, comfort, and preserve long-lasting memories.

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1. For me, trees were often the centerpiece of my experiences during my childhood. For example, whenever my family and I went camping, trees would be where we could set up a line that my dog could use to move around freely. My friends and I could also climb the trees and create new games that centered around the trees around us.

2. By creating/joining organizations to plant vegetation, individuals and communities can protect and preserve trees in their local area. For example, they can start community gardens. In these gardens people should focus on planting native species that are already accustomed to living in the environment. They should also eliminate invasive species that could hinder the growth of native species.

3. The article's perspectives that highlight the spiritual and cultural importance of trees across different societies has influenced me to see trees not only as an aesthetic/design choice but also as an essential part of all societies. Without native trees, many other living organisms would suffer due to a loss of shelter or a source of food. The article has made me more appreciative of trees and has shown me the values and impact that trees have.