These are pics before any trees were cut down, when they were very much alive & beautiful:

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And these are some of the after pics:

This is all that is left of the beautiful trees. 

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I dont know what to say its appalling when will man realise this is not his earth to do with as they please other creatures live on this earth to and they are less selfish why oh why dont they just revamp all the derelict homes that lay unoccupied and what is the development for a fast food joint, homes , another shopping mall selling over expense scraps of material

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a song in the 70s said "raze paradise; put up a parking lot.

I know a place in West Virginia that is for sale. 32 acrexs and looks mostly like woods. They want 70,000 for it. It backs on a national forest. Point Pleasant WV, mls #95556. I couldn't buy it because the loan I had wouldn't cover a modular home.

If someone who has some money is looking for a way to save some trees, here's one. You can keep the woods and wildlife off 32 acres at least.

I don't know anything about the property except what I saw on realestate.com,, but I would love to live there.

If anyone is interested in weird experiences, Point Pleasant is where the Mothman was seen in the 60s. Richard Gere starred in the movie, The Mothman Prophecies.

Maggie

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I live in Washington, DC, the capitol of the USA.

Washington is known as the City of Trees. We have trees here from every country in the world. I have loved living here because of the trees. I am walking distance from the river and fishing, but I'm also surrounded by highways. Still we have many trees. The city does a good job with them.

In June I will be moving to Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Not the 32-acre lot I wrote about, but a house on a dead end road, across the road from the RR tracks. From my front door you can see the Potomac River. The 1.17 acres has many trees, and flowering bushes and plants. Also blackberry bushes. It's beautiful. The back yard goes about 30 yds, and then goes almost straight up. At the top of this part of the mountain is the town. On my west is clear property for almost 2 city blocks, and then a warehouse for a yard work company. On my east is the mountain again.

I'll miss DC, but I'll love where I'm going.

Anyhow, my trees are safe as long as I'm alive.

Maggie

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Tracy, I feel so sad seeing those photos. There is too much of that going on today everywhere. I know that these trees mean so much to you and do feel for you having to see this going on around you.

I am afraid that it looks like the plans to build upon more countryside near where I live is going to happen. They want to build another small town....needless to say I am NOT happy about this.

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i couldnt stop this completely, but i ensured over 200 hectares of this 'suburb' was retained as wildlife corridor

you can do it too

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• Sharon-Me too!!
• Kitcat-I'm sorry this happened too.  I really miss those trees! Seeing those pics makes me wanna too!
• Hazel-it is awful, I remember running through the fields chasing butterflies and playing around the trees--in fall it would rain leaves and I would run around trying to catch them before they hit the ground. 
• Mother Earth-I agree, it is so sad!
• Maggie-Hello and welcome to this group!  I wish I could buy that place you are talking about!  Unfortunately, I do not have that kind of money.  I also wish I could buy the property across from me which at the moment is a vacant horsefarm.  They are planning to tear that down as well and put up condos.  There is quite a stretch of trees near a small stream that will more than likely go.  They are home to many red-tailed hawks, as well as many other animals.  But I doubt that those builders care about that. 
• Sister Harmonia-they did this all for money I presume.  Condos make a lot more profit than idle land.  I doubt if they gave much thought about the animals and the trees.
• Susan-I have seen that often too!  So many people cut down trees in their own yard for what seems like no reason, or for a very stupid reason.  I know some people clear their trees because it is "too much trouble" to rake the leaves up.  Humans are getting so lazy it seems anymore!  I look at leave raking as a way to get out and enjoy the sights and smells of autumn, not to mention a way to burn a few extra calories lol! Susan, you are so lucky to live in a place like that where the trees are protected!  I wish it was that way here!
• Maggie-it is good to hear the trees will be safe where you live!  By the way, the place you are moving to sounds truly breath-taking!  You are very lucky to live in a place like that!
• Anne-I feel sad too.  You know what's ironic?  They took down all of the beautiful large shade trees, only to put up a few tiny saplings that will take forever to get to good size!  Don't get me wrong, I am happy they are planning to put in trees, but why not keep the large already established trees?  Can't get much shade from a few tiny saplings. I am sorry they are planning to build in your area.  It seems they don't listen to people's opinions.    
• Boris, it is a shame that they tore down those trees and built on that land.  But I do applaud you on being able to save part of it!!

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It is crazy Tracy! Why put up more trees for shade, when there were perfectly already good healthy ones to start with!!

Years ago I was a groundsman to a friend of mine who was  a tree surgeon. I used to enjoy working with him, being outdoors with nature, etc. I can't say I enjoyed felling trees, that used to sadden me, but maintaining them, etc was nice.

What did really get me wound up was having to do work for some people who simply wanted their tree felled because they wanted more light into the garden or similar. I mean, why not just have the tree topped or even better, why not of moved to a house with no blooming trees, if they wanted more light! Some people really had no love for nature at all and that really used to make me mad.

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How right you are Anne!!  I totally agree with you--why they didn't just keep the full grown trees is beyond me.  All they would have to do is just trim them up a bit, and they would have made some nice shade trees.  These are going to be senior condos, and I doubt very much if the seniors are going to want the sun beating down on their houses in the blistering heat of the summer without anything to block the rays.  Guess the neighbors who will be closest to us will enjoy our three big maples--they are beautiful and large shade trees! 

It must have been nice working with trees, although I feel the same way about felling the trees.  That is always sad to see, especially when they are being taken down for what seems like such a ridiculous reason.  Like you said, why not just move somewhere else with less trees?  I've always hated the noise of the woodchippers--it made me cringe hearing my beloved trees (ok, technically they aren't mine, but I think of them like they are cause' I grew up around them) getting ground into woodchips and sawdust.  You can see the pile of sawdust/woodchips in one of the after photos above.  That is so sad seeing what is now left of once beautiful trees. 

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that people move to the country to be a part of nature and then they clear a lot and build a house that has no connection whatsoever?

When I was little my family lived in a farmhouse with an acre of dogwood trees, a tulip poplar, some oaks, and probably an elm or 2 because this was in the 1940s, before dutch elm disease ravaged the area. That was in front. Out back was several acres of woods.

I used to wander through the woods at all hours, and my mom and dad went with me when I did. Mom stayed at home as so many mothers did then. I had no fear of the woods, and used to go out and collect bugs and frogs and snakes (sorry if anyone is phobic). I enjoyed everything.

Now that beautiful lot is all townhouses. They tore all the trees down. All of them. There are no woods anymore. And they planted new ones     .

Those were my woods. And they took them away from me.

This link is to my photos. I tried to put the pic of my new house here, but couldn't figure out how. The house is in the "potential homes" folder. 

http://photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

I hope it's ok to do this.

Maggie

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Hi...

am a total tree-nature-woods and forest lover...new here; didn't know this group existed till today....

I have photos of a whole area of woods that were cut down for condos and sympathize with how badly these photos make you all feel.....

i have woods behind me and swear I protect them, teach my kids to take care of them as well.... hopefu..l..y if our generation doesn't stop the destruction, the next one will.

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If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down?
We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.
-   Jack Handey

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Olga--, it is so good to have you here!!  You are a wonderful person for loving trees and the forests!  So many people nowadays don't seem to care, and it nice to find someone who does!  It's also great that you teach your kids to value the trees and nature--I wish more people would do that with their kids!  PS--If there is anyway that you could post those pics on this group, I would love to see them!  It would really give people more chance to truly experience the destruction being caused.

M.E.C.-great quote! 

Thea--I think that a lot of humans have become very selfish and they tend to think that everything on this earth is for them to exploit.  It's trees, it's animals, it's natural resources.  It is so sad that some people act and feel this way.  A quote comes to mind, I'm not sure who wrote this, but I think it speaks volumes: "Humans aren't the only species on this earth, we just act like it".

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OK, I added the photos of the house to my profile photos. I don't know why Yahoo sometimes won't let people see my albums. Only one (I think) is restricted.

I knew I should have put them in my care2 profile. dum me. lol

Maggie

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Cutting down that oak is like killing a eagle.

Nebraska City, Neb., Dec. 15, 2004--America has the grandest trees on earth--the largest, the oldest, and some of the most magnificent. Now, with Congressional passage and presidential signing of a historic bill, America has an official National Tree--the oak. Congress passed legislation so designating the oak in November. The official recognition of oak as America’s National Tree reflects a vote hosted by The National Arbor Day Foundation at its website, arborday.org, in which Americans of all ages and from all walks of life helped choose the country’s newest national symbol.

 ^{"Having oak as our National Tree is in keeping with the wishes of the hundreds of thousands of people who helped choose this striking symbol of our nation’s great strength," said John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation. "The United States is blessed with a wealth of tree species--more than twice as many as all of Europe--and trees have played a key role in our nation’s history. Naming a national tree is a cause for celebration for us all. We’re grateful to the leadership of Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia and Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska for helping this become a reality."}

 ^{"As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I appreciate how trees and forests enhance the environment, add recreational opportunities, and provide for the livelihoods of millions of individuals in the forest industry," said Congressman Goodlatte. "The oak has long been an enduring and mighty tree. It is truly a part of our national heritage and merits the formal distinction of America’s National Tree."}

 ^{"The oak tree will now be as much a symbol of America as Thanksgiving Day, Old Glory, the Star Spangled Banner, and the bald eagle," Senator Nelson said. "It is a fine choice to represent our nation’s strength, as it grows from just an acorn into a powerful entity whose many branches continue to strengthen and reach skyward with every passing year."}

 ^{The oak was selected during a four-month-long open voting process hosted by the Arbor Day Foundation. From the first day of voting, oak was the people’s clear choice, finishing with more than 101,000 votes, compared to almost 81,000 for the magnificent runner-up, the redwood. Rounding out the top five were the dogwood, maple, and pine.}

 ^{As part of the process, people were invited to vote for one of 21 candidate trees, based on broad tree categories (genera) that included the state trees of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, or to write in any other tree selection. "We undertook this vote to remind Americans of just how important trees are to us all, and to emphasize the history and grandeur of our trees," Rosenow said.}

 ^{Advocates of the oak praised its diversity, with more than 60 species growing in the United States, making oaks America’s most widespread hardwoods. Throughout America’s history, oaks have been prized for their shade, beauty, and lumber. They have also been a part of many important events, from Abraham Lincoln’s use of the Salt River Ford Oak as a marker in crossing a river near Homer, Illinois, to Andrew Jackson taking shelter under Louisiana’s Sunnybrook Oaks on his way to the Battle of New Orleans. In the annals of military history, "Old Ironsides," the USS Constitution, took its nickname from the strength of its live oak hull, famous for repelling British cannonballs.}

 ^{More information about America’s National Tree and all of the other candidate trees is available at arborday.org, the official website of The National Arbor Day Foundation. The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization that inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.}

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THAT IS GROTESQUE!!!!

I would like to know if those people killing the trees actually realize that little by very very little their cutting back our oxygen supply and turning our planet into a giant oven. 

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Whoa...I'm so sorry guys that this was posted back in mid May and I am just now responding to this topic!  (I was a bit overwhelmed at that time) My sincere apologies!  Maggie, your house and entire property is just beautiful!  You are so lucky to have it!

M.E.C.--In retrospect, I wish I did give them hell!  I want so much to turn back time and fight to stop them from doing what they did.  But back then, I talked myself into thinking it was their land, and they had the right to do what they wanted with it.  And I though that they wouldn't cut down ALL of the trees.  But I was sooooooo wrong!  Hindsight is 20/20.  I wish I had stood up to them and told them what I really thought!  It's too late for my beloved trees.....but now I am more informed and more outraged than ever, and now, I am trying desperately to stop that from happening to the property across from me, which is a horsefarm(not in use), on 56 acres of trees and fields.  The zoning board is having a meeting soon, and they will decide whether to approve the housing project proposal or not.  I sent them an email, and I hope they get back to me.  I was thinking that maybe I could post a topic about that here maybe, if I get a response, so that others may contact the zoning board and voice their displeasure about the proposal.

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Oh, and and to you Lauren!  I couldn't agree with you more!

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Hi Annie!  That is so sad what happened to what was your old home.  It seems to be going on everywhere you go, and it just saddens and angers me whenever I am driving and I see a place that was once full of trees, and instead is now filled with bulldozers, new houses, stores, etc.  It needs to stop!! 

By the way, hello and welcome to Treehuggers!  Thanks for joining Annie!

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Osiyo, I can not understand the reason for cutting down such beauty....just looking at the lives of those trees it has hurt my heart to see they were destroyed....reminds me of the neighbor who got mad at the tree in his yard cause when a storm hit the tree limb fell and broke his windshield.......so now each year he attacks that tree....but I always go to the tree and pray for it and touch it........and every time he cuts off a limb a new one grows in its place.....People and thier hate of all things in the world.....makes no sense this was truly sickening dohiya

Tanena

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Im with maggie and Mr. Dylan on this one.

"They took all the trees and put em in a tree museum, charged the people a dollar and a half just to see em, Don't it always go to show, you never know what you got till its gone, they paved paradise to put up a parkin' lot"

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If we didn't have them we wouldn't be breathing, therefore we wouldn't be here. And the fact that the air quality is going downhill faster and faster is not just due to internal combustion engines.  The more trees they cut the faster the air will deteriorate.

Thanks, JD. And I'm moving to Piedmont, WV. Where I will have my own acre of mostly pine and oaks. Beautiful! And nobody is going to touch my trees unless they're sick and need help.

Our group seems to be increasing quite well here. I'm glad to see it.

Maggie

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I added more pics of my new place to my photo album. There are lots more trees, a gazebo, and another outbuilding that aren't shown.

Hugs

Maggie

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"Humans aren't the only species on this earth, we just act like it".

It's sad that there are so many human beings on this earth who believe that we are superior to any other living thing here.  If we are so superior, why is it that we exhibit self-destructive behaviors?

I agree with so many others here in that there are enough existing buildings that could be occupied if they were just fixed up and made use of instead of cutting down more trees and clearing land for new construction.  It's not needed!  I guess if we were to run out of oxygen to breathe, then the powers that be might actually have to listen up and take some action.  But then maybe it would be too late.

I, for one, live where I live because of all the natural growth trees and plants indigenous to this area.  My house sits on an acre -- I have 11 oak trees (and our national tree, as it were!), 4 maple trees (one of which I grew from a seed and planted myself), 5 pine trees and 3 bald cypress (one of which I also grew from a seed).  About 6 weeks ago, I planted a red bay sapling which was given to me by a friend who works for the City of Melbourne -- it was Arbor Day a couple of years ago and they were clearing out the saplings that had grown around the existing trees from dropped seeds and giving them away to whoever wanted them.  I am very excited to see how big it's gotten by the end of summer, especially considering all the rain we've had here this year.

Interestingly enough, after 3 hurricanes in this part of Florida last year, many old growth trees were blown down by the days and days of high winds.  But the way I see it, if Mother Nature wanted to take down those trees, it was Her right to do so.  I believe that these storms were just the earth renewing itself -- I actually had a few people look at me as though I were nuts when I said that to them!  I just got sick of all the "Oh, woe is me!" from so many who simply had flooding or roof damage.

All I can say is if any govenment entity or private corporation interested in development in my area (which is unlikely, since most of it is protected) wants my land and wants to cut down my trees, they'll have to do it over my cold, dead body!

We need all of these pictures as reminders of what is happening in the world today, but we should also concentrate on all of the good going on around us -- all of the organizations focusing on planting trees to give back to our Mother Earth.  It's almost as if it's a struggle between good and evil -- maybe it's those of us who have this strong love of trees and all of nature who will push the balance towards good!

I have Edward to thank for inviting me to this group and I love it here!  Thanks again, Edward!  Glad to be here!

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JD--great song--I think of it often when I look at all the trees destroyed to make way for building.

Maggie--that's great--what a beautiful place you are going to have there!

Lorie--andYou made so many great points there!  Great to have you here!  And I really love what you said in this particular quote from your post:

"All I can say is if any govenment entity or private corporation interested in development in my area (which is unlikely, since most of it is protected) wants my land and wants to cut down my trees, they'll have to do it over my cold, dead body!"

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Oh, no!!  This is a crime!  How awful!  I almost cried when I saw the "After" pictures!

Giuliana aka Princess Little Rock

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How right you are Giuliana my friend!  Oh, and I thought I would share this with you guys....now that they are starting the actual building process on the property surrounding mine, they have set up a port-o-potty for the workers to use....and of all places to put it, they placed it right behind my shed and my back yard!  This is the "lovely" view that I have had for several weeks now when I look out from my back yard--Nothing but barren land and an outhouse:

This was taken after a big rainstorm...hence the small "pond" in the middle.  But now that it is mid summer, we have the opposite--really dry weather.  So whenever they drive the big rigs across or even if it is just a windy day, dust blows everywhere, and it coats our cars, our house, and everything else for that matter, and gets in our eyes on breezy days. 

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I'm so sorry to hear that Rage!  I don't know why they gotta keep clear cutting trees.  It really sucks!

And what also sucks is what I am putting up with right now!  Out of the blue, they have decided to either put a curbing or a sidewalk (not sure what it is yet) across their property as well as in the front of mine!  They dug up my front lawn and my driveway in the front as well!  Now I know the stretch of land by the street is considered the city's, but they had to close off my driveway all day, and it still isn't finished!  And they didn't block it off in any way, so if you came in during the dark, and didn't realize it wasn't finished, then you'd probably do some major damage to your car!  What idiots!!  We can't stop working plus everyday activites just because they decided to put this up....we didn't ask for it!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

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Awww, Rage, that's a shame!  It seems no matter where you go, you run into this sort of thing eventually.  Why can't they leave land untouched?  Thanks for feeling for me...it's nice to know I'm not alone in my feelings!

I would like to know the same about the curbing....we didn't ask them to put it in, we're not part of their land.....unless they think in the future they are going to somehow acquire our land.......which really has got me nervous and scared with the whole new eminent domain law passed just recently.  I keep waiting for them to tell us that they want our land and to get out.  If that happens, it will be over my dead body!  This house was built for my grandparents, which are no longer living, and has high sentimental value to me and my family.  Our yard is full of our beloved trees, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now!  I couldn't stand watching our house being bulldozered and our trees butchered and everything plowed under......my pet cemetery is there as well, and I wouldn't want my beloved late pets from my entire lifetime to be paved over or dug up.

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Thank you Rage!  Like I said....they ain't taking my place except over my dead body--they ain't getting it without a fight!

John, I know what you mean about everyone taking out native trees and replacing with non-native species.  Your property sounds lovely though!!  Right now, everything going on is already in progress and at the moment, doesn't hurt us in any way.  My mom found out that they are putting in a curbing, not a sidewalk, which puzzles us as to the reason why.  Why move the curb back three feet?  Does it make it more aesteticly pleasing?  We don't have a clue!  Guess we will just have to wait and see.......

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What an awesome looking tree Luke!! Thanks for posting!!

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Tracy, that is the area you were telling me about.  I cried now that I have actually seen what they have done with those poor, poor healthy trees.   Don't people grasp the severity of what they are doing?  Both to animals, the eco-system and the beauty of this country?  God help us all!

Maggie, I pray that there would be a way for you to get that loan anyway.  You sound like such a kind and caring person.  I can only hope and pray that someone like you (if not you) will acquire the property and keep it just as it is. 

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< <   I dont know what to say its appalling when will man realise this is not his earth to do with as they please other creatures live on this earth to and they are less selfish  > >

.

Very well put Nicola K.

Indeed this earth is NOT ours to ruin.

Not only do we share it with many other living things, but also what we should never ever forget is that we are NOT the Creator of it.

This earth is our ONLY home....   and we are but temporary tenants and guardians of it.

At the rate it is going - we are heading for homelessness. 

.

Thea P  < < <   Those after pictures are very disturbing!!  Why are we doing this to our planet and all the living things on it???  > > >

.

In answer to your question :   Believe it or not - alot of the time it is because of MAN`s own greed.

Nowadays people want BIG houses.

What is wrong with `little` houses?

Big house demand more & more land.

Building space does NOT appear out of thin air.

Therefore trees & forests are being cut down - and animals made homeless - just for the sake of MAN`S  OWN  PRIDE in wanting to own a MANSION albeit at the expense of nature.

How sad that mankind is so selfish.

.

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Just to add some further thoughts for consideration :

Trees & forests are cut down to make room for more & more roads & highways (`motorways` as we call them here in the U.K)

But I wonder how many people consider the TRUE COST to wildlife when they go out and buy a car, often 2 cars, sometimes 3.

IF we truly want to save this planet, we need to go back to basics.

How did people manage in the olden days BEFORE cars were invented?   People must have got from point A > B.    

What`s wrong with WALKING?    Why else do you think that God gave us TWO LEGS if it were not for walking !!

Oh yeah, it does make me VERY ANGRY.

Trees and nature are also lost to AIRPORT runways, but does that stop people from wanting more & more foreign vacations?  Does it heck!

We can all scream & shout about these things, but the reality is:  we have grown very selfish - very arrogant - and very wanting in our desire for comforts and luxuries of modern day living. 

Rather unfortunately, and as has been pointed out already in this thread:  we are cutting down our own AIR supply.   How foolish.  

Today is those trees which are destroyed....

Tomorrow it will be all of us.

Take care.

.

"Only after the last tree has been cut down,
Only after the last river has been poisened,
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will mankind find that money cannot be eaten.

Link

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Hi Joseph! Thanks for joining, and for viewing my before and after pics.  It is truly sad....right now, they have about half of the condos completed.  People were moving in as fast as they could build them for awhile there, but now, things are slowing down. They've been having open houses several times to try and interest people in buying these stupid things.  Construction has kinda halted for now....

Vicky....SO WELL PUT! 

Dorothy, how sad that they removed so many trees!  I'm glad you were able to save alot of the seeds though!  Replanting is a wonderful idea!  Willows are one of my fave trees too.....I have a young willow right outside my back kitchen window.  I also have a smaller, bushier type of willow out by my animal cemetery for my pets.  They are wonderful and beautiful trees....cuttings are a great idea too...an easy way to get many more trees! 

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I am both sad and angry.  And about the people living in them.....you are pretty much right at the moment.....they haven't even finished building them, I guess that is on hold--half are built, half aren't even started yet.  And of the condos built, only about half, if that many, actually have people living in them. There aren't many people coming to see them anymore like there was.  Might be why they halted building for the time being. I hate having neighbors so close, I prefer the company of trees to the company of people.

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The pictures show what is happening to this world. It is sad. Unfortunately, it is all too common these days. In the house next to mine, there was an old neem tree that had been there for over 20 years. One fine day, they cut the tree down. Their reason? Apparantely someone told them that evil spirits resided in it!!! I was shocked. Two days back, a plot near my house that had been a rubber estate, was razed to the ground. The trees were all cut down. Reason? A 12 storey flat was to be built on that land. We have a house in the village, surrounded by trees. There are 80 coconut trees alone, and then other trees like mango, berries etc. My parents want to sell the house, since we don't live there. The new owners would cut all the trees down to build a house. So far my brother and I have succeeded in preventing the sale. Don't know for how much longer though.

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Hello Stella.....I'm so glad you were able to stop the sale so far of that land.  If people must build, I don't know why the home/building can't be built around the trees.  Why must the trees always be cut down?  And a tree with "evil spirits"??  Are they nuts!??  Never heard of such a thing!  Trees are harboring nothing but beautiful spirits. 

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I know...those guyz are complete nuts to believe such nonsense. India is a superstitious country, but mostly religion protects trees. We used to WORSHIP them!!! And to think that something like this is happening in a country where only a few years ago if anyone threatened to cut a tree, the whole colony would get together to protest against it. I remember when I was 12 years old, we had a banyan in our colony. The government said the tree had to be pulled down because they wanted to build something. I'll never forget how the whole colony, every single family, stood in front of the tree and vowed to protect it. And now this!

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Oh, if only people all over the world would ban together to protect trees like you described!  So many people just look the other way...accept it as "progress".  If more people stood up and took action, then maybe these greedy developers wouldn't be able to develop land so easily. 

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I live in a huge valley where there are 90,000 new houses for sale, mostly new developments, yet house buying has come to a standstill in this valley because of the foreclosure "crisis," (and people are still being foreclosed on here every day, even though foreclosed houses are not selling much at the auctions.)

Ironically, the construction of promised parks, which would include planting new trees, has been halted due to the housing slowdown. This affects dozens of planned parks in the area.

Meanwhile, when I look across the field where a stand of about ten 100 foot tall eucalyptus trees used to be, I see EMPTY houses where no one lives. They've been trying to sell these condos for a whole year now, and only a few have sold, if any. The houses we see across the field have no curtains in the windows, and where there is a light here and there, they are on uniformly all night. These are huge houses and are priced very low, but the condo remains empty, though heavily guarded, supposedly with armed guards.

Meanwhile, our house, where we have planted over 230 trees, is in danger. We have to come up with the amount of the payments we missed when our son, who lives with us and is with us in wanting to keep this property with his help, was not paid for the work he did.

Right now, it finally looks like he is going to be paid all the missed payments. But will the lender still accept the money now? We don't know yet. We put off the house sale for an appeal, which I am still working on. If we move, there probably won't be any new owner for months, even years. This is not a prime area. There are a lot of horses, goats, dirt roads, puddles, old unused vehicles, things only country people care for.

The thing is, we planted 70 fruit trees, which we plan to share with hungry people, who rarely can afford nutritious organic food. We grow without pesticides. And a lot of people need this kind of food. We are getting a bumper crop right now- every tree covered with blossoms, our best year yet.

But if we are forced to leave, if the lender won't take our backpayment and go with a new payment plan, all these fruit trees will die. I've been looking through foreclosure property photos on the news, and usually the lawn and trees are dead in the photos.

It is so hot here, and there is no rain at all in this area. So if we were evicted and the water turned off, all the fruit trees would die instead of giving hundreds of pounds of fruit to both us and any hungry people we can find to share it with.

Even in the best case scenario, if someone moved in right away, which I highly doubt, they would not be likely to take the effort to care for the fruit trees, and it would be like a neighbor who just let the fruit rot all over the ground because she did not want to do the work involved to care for the trees.

It takes a lot of work to care for fruit trees so that they fruit well, and I LOVE working with trees. I and my kids train, trim, water, check, weed our trees and spray them with copper, which is organic and does not poison the ground. We also use only natural fertilizers like phophate rock. It is a lot of work, but this is something I love doing so much because I am nurturing life and working with the earth.
It is very unlikely that anyone else would have the dedication to do this with this 70 tree fruit orchard we planted 4 years ago.

The orchard is also helping a disabled person, me. I am a wheelchair dependent diabetic, and exercise is so crucial to my diabetes. If I don't get enough exercise I could lose my feet to amputation, lose my eyesight, or die. Working on my fruit trees is just the right level of exercise for me, not too much, not too little. (I spread each job out over a period of weeks.)

On top of all this, any other yard would have my wheelchair sinking into the ground all the time and getting stuck. This property is perfect for me and my power chair, because the man who lived here before we bought the house compacted the ground for ten years, so while we softened the ground where the tree trunks go, the rest of the ground is hard and does not give way under my wheelchair. (A power chair can dig a deep rut in seconds, and dig it deeper and deeper in minutes if the ground is not hard.

This house also has a pool that gives me the exercise I need in summer and a hot tub that brings my pain level down to a bearable level. So all this is at stake if we lose this house and one acre property.

If we can keep it, I can still be among trees to relax where my wheelchair does not bog down, get the exercise I need for my diabetes, get the fruit I need for my diabetic diet, have baskets and baskets full to share with the needy, live next to a field and get enough fresh air, and everybody wins, including the wild creatures. If we lose the house, everyone loses, including the bank/lender.

So please, everyone, prayers, meditations, pink lights, and good thoughts our way that the lender will accept our backpayments and appeal and accept what we can pay into the future so our orchard is saved to help my diabetes and feed hungry people and so it's 230 trees will not be chopped down!

Thanks so much for listening

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Marie, that's so sad. I do hope they let you keep your property. It would be terrible if you had to move out, and all those trees which would lose their life without your care. My prayers are with you, and your trees. But I wish there was something more I could do about it. I'll pray wholeheartedly for you. They say prayer makes miracles.

Tracy

I know. If only people would stand together, and say we are not going to let these things happen. But as you said, people just don't seem to care. They act as if it's not their problem at all. As if the trees and the animals, and everything else on earth belongs to someone else and someone else should take care of it.

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