The Douglas-Fir is one of the most iconic of the big trees that define the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Its wood is premier for lumber use across the western United States and its extensive human influence is surrounded by culture and story. This episode dives into those stories as well as exploring why this tree is not actually a Fir as well as the backgrounds of the Scottish botanists that contributed to its modern name. Music is by Academy Garden–cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.
What many understand to be the age of the dinosaurs is, in the plant world, the age of the Cycad. These are weird plants that look like palms or ferns and made up most of the world’s plant composition in the Jurassic Era. But some species are still around today–and in some unexpected places. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.
Mangroves are incredible plants that survive the salty waters of tropical coastal areas. Learn about the fascinating ecosystems they create, the ways they help us mitigate Climate Change, and why their forests are shrinking. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.
Chocolate. That’s it, that’s the episode. This is the tree that gives us one of my greatest joys in life–learn about where it comes from, how it was worshipped, and how it’s made today. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.
The Longleaf Pine is a tree that once covered great expanses of the Gulf and Atlantic coastal states of the US. But now, these trees only occupy 3% of their original native range. What made this tree so incredible and why did it almost disappear? Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.
Spring is here and that means it’s time to celebrate Spring flowers. One of my favorite flowers belongs to a plant known as the Rhododendron. In this episode, I’ll talk about the role it has played in the history of gardening as well as in the secret language of flowers. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.
 Eucalyptus is a genus of around 700 trees and shrubs that call Australia and southeast Asia home. Hear about their wonderful fragrance, their vibrant colors, and their penchant for committing arson. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Find me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.Â
 This episode celebrates the birthdays of two park rangers who have inspired my own path as a ranger. To make both their dreams come true, we are talking about both the Limber Pine and the Walking Palm. These two are very different trees that tend to get less time in the spotlight compared to some of their relatives. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and on Instagram @treepodcast.Â
Sources:
Moore, Gerry; Kershner, Bruce; Tufts, Craig; Mathews, Daniel; et al. (2008). National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. New York: Sterling. p. 81. ISBN978-1-4027-3875-3.
The Juniper is a tree that can be found from the highest peaks to the doctor’s office to the…bathtub? Medicine, food, gin, and more, these trees are incredibly useful but seem to hold surprisingly little symbolism throughout history. But they do come with some interesting superstition as well as a rant from me about what we call their cones! Music is by Academy Garden. Cover art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees and Instragam @treepodcast.
Sundown on January the 16th marks the beginning of Tu B’Shevat 2022. For the second year in a row, I’ve decided to celebrate this Jewish Tree New Year by covering one of the Seven Species of Israel. This time, it’s the olive’s turn. Olive trees have held importance to humans for thousands of years—not just as a food source but also for the many uses of olive oil as well as the tree’s symbol of peace and prosperity. Music is by Academy Garden. Cover Art is by @boomerangbrit on Instagram. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @MyFavoriteTrees or on Instagram @treepodcast.Â
