From the introduction:
I discovered many years ago that my family name was derived from the old Saxon name Oketon, rough translation being ‘’People from the Vale of the Oaks’’. This has stuck with me over the years and even more so since I became active in the movement to protect and preserve trees and forests in this age of Climate Crisis. The Oak was a highly revered tree in ancient times, in what is now Western Europe, for its beauty, strength and being home to Mistletoe which seemed to magically grow without roots in the trees’ upper branches. We are told the Druids identified especially with the Oaks and its seemingly magical properties.
“What a delightful, thought-provoking, and inspiring collection of poetry and prose! Highly recommended!!” —Thom Hartmann, author, The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight
“An engaging collection about love for forests and wildness, and a call on humanity for some humility.” Chad Hanson, Ph.D., author, Smokescreen: Debunking Wildfire Myths to Save Our Forests and Our Climate
“It’s the Trees is a love story of limbs and roots in a passionate embrace for survival; breathe an historical fragrance that transports you through time as it reveals the continuity of life.” —Tom Neilson, Singer/songwriter Ed.D., Greenfield, MA
“Once again, Don Ogden has distilled into poetry and prose his wisdom and boundless care for trees, forests and the abundance of life that survives despite our wounded ecosystem. Sit for a moment and take in his words. They are medicine in these troubled times and they remind us that what we are fighting for is life itself.” —Susan Theberge, author/activist
