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Over the years, we have heard of forest being exploited where trees were brought down and its inhabitants being chased out of their natural environment. We have also been warned of the effects of global warming, increasing air pollution and ozone depletion. Today, sustainable development and environment protection are popular terms. But, is it popular and clear enough for it to be heard and fully understood by everyone?
Trees are the longest living organisms on the planet and one of the earth’s greatest natural resources. Here are some reasons as to why they are important:
1. Trees Produce Oxygen – A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year
2. Trees Clean the Soil by filtering sewage & farm chemicals, reduce the effects of animal wastes, clean roadside spills & clean water runoff into streams
3. Trees Control Noise Pollution as effectively as stone walls
4. Trees Slow Storm Water Runoff by reducing flash flooding e.g. a Colorado blue spruce (either planted or growing wild) can intercept more than 1000 gallons of water annually when fully grown
5. Trees Absorb as much Carbon Dioxide in a year as a car produces while driving 26,000 miles
6. Mature Trees Clean the Air by removing almost 70 times more pollution than a newly planted tree
7. Trees Summer Shade and wind buffering can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars
8. Trees Act as Windbreaks by lowering home heating bills up to 30%, reducing snow drifts and help keep precious topsoil in place
9. Trees Fight Soil Erosion and conserve rainwater. They reduce water runoff and sediment deposit after storms
10. Trees Increase Property Values by up to 14%
At Treetop Quest, nature and people who are connected to it are our constant source of inspiration.
For instance, the Korowai and Kombai tribes. They live in tall treehouses that can reach heights of 20 meters (65 feet) off of the forest floor in the remote forests of Papua, New Guinea. For centuries they have kept their same traditions, living as hunter-gatherers and remaining largely isolated from the outside world.
This treehouse was built by Shrewsbury wool merchants, the Ottley family, who bought Pitchford Hall in 1473. It is believed to be one of the oldest treehouse if not THE oldest. The Lime Tree where the treehouse is built on is estimated to be 800-900 years old. It is not known exactly when the tree house was constructed, but according to John Yates from English Heritage, it is at least 300 years old. Its most famous visitor is said to have been Queen Victoria, who visited Pitchford as a 13-year-old princess.
This following treehouse is believed to be the world’s largest (and tallest?) treehouse. Located in Crossville, TN (USA), it took 11 years for a minister named Horace Burgess to build it. It rises 97 feet into the sky and supported by a live, 80-foot-tall white oak 12 feet in diameter at its base. It has some 80+ rooms and dozens of porches, overlooks, nooks and stairways.
If trees evoke your fond childhood memories, all that is left for you to do is to reserve online. Bring your tribe out for some outdoor family fun while enjoying the cool summer shades. If you think that you’re too old to go up in the trees, then think again ‘cos chances are that you’re not as old as you think you are. It is true that you will not find any treehouses at Treetop Quest. But, you will certainly be bowled over by the thrills and laughter that you still can get just by being high above in the trees.
Operating Season and Hours
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
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