In life, there is ever the intellectual and the emotional nature—the mind that reasons, and the mind that feels. Of one come the people of action—generals and statesmen; of the other, the poets and dreamers—artist all. Light is the plants’ only source of energy, so they are entirely dependent on light. The sea walnut uses some of its energy to generate its own light in the deep ocean. Cells convert energy from one form to another as they carry out the business of life. Plants, convert light energy into chemical energy—food for themselves and for the animals that eat them. Some organisms convert the chemical energy of food into light, as does this small deep-sea animal, called a sea walnut. Instead of using chemical energy from food only to grow or reproduce, the sea walnut illuminates its environment. Why does it spend energy in such an apparently frivolous way? In fact, nobody knows for sure—it has been suggested that the animal uses its light to frighten off potential predators, but not many biologist believe this. The function of light emission by sea walnuts remains a mystery. #RandolphHarris 1 of 11

We are creatures of the Sun. Its light is the source—direct or indirect—of the free energy that powers life on Earth. As biologist, we can say, “We are creatures of the chloroplasts.” This abundant organelle, which gives green plants their color, captures the Sun’s energy for us. Inside plants, within stacks of connected, inner membranes wrapped in two outer membranes, chemical reactions convert and store the energy that we draw. Plant growth depends on photosynthesis, and photosynthesis depends on efficient carbon dioxide fixation. The mechanism in turn depends on how much carbon dioxide in the air, it is not always abundantly available to the cells inside the leaves of land plants. Leaves have a waxy covering that retards moisture loss, and water escapes mainly through tiny passages (stomata) across the leaf’s surface. On hot, dry days the stomata are closed and plants conserve water. This means, however, that carbon dioxide cannot enter the lead. At the same time, oxygen builds up inside the leaf as a by-product of photosynthesis. #RandolphHarris 2 of 11

I saw a bright light. The stage is set for a wasteful process called photorespiration. In this process, oxygen instead of carbon dioxide becomes attached to the RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate, is a 5-carbon compound involved in the Calvin cycle, which is part of the light independent reactions of photosynthesis). Our own dependence on the Sun, although absolute, is indirect. Like the other animals, the fungi, many protists, and most monerans, we depend upon a ready supply of partially reduced, carbon-containing compounds as a food source. From such compounds we get all the free energy that keeps us alive and functioning. From them, too, we obtain the carbon atoms used in every organic molecule in our bodies. In a word, we are heterotrophs: We need to feed upon something else. In a World populated exclusively by heterotrophs, all life would grind to an end as the food gradually disappeared. Our World owes the continued existence of life to the presence of autotrophs—organisms that do not need previously formed organic substances from their environment. #RandolphHarris 3 of 11

A strong yellow light pooled beneath the trees; my shadow appears and vanished on the path. For autotrophs, an energy source (such as light) and an inorganic carbon source (such as carbon dioxide gas) suffice as a diet. From these simple ingredients, autotrophs make the reduced carbon compounds from which their bodies are built and their food needs met. By feeding on autotrophs, the heterotrophs of the World meet their needs for energy and matter. The principal autotrophs are photosynthetic organisms that use visible light as their energy source. From light, carbon dioxide, and water, they begin the chemistry that sustain almost the entire biosphere. Photosynthesis is the conversion of light energy to chemical energy by living things. Organisms that conduct photosynthesis—pants and photosynthetic protists and monerans—stand at the gateway to the living World, at the interface where inorganic becomes organic, where nonlife becomes life. The Worldwide extent of photosynthetic activity is stunning: Each year, tens of billions of tons of carbon atoms are taken from carbon dioxide and incorporated into molecules of sugars, amino acids, and other compounds. #RandolphHarris 4 of 11

 Photosynthesis is known to use three principal ingredients—water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and light—and to produce not only food but also oxygen gas (O2). Scientists had learned that the water for photosynthesis comes primarily from the soil (for plants living on land) and mist travel from the roots to the leaves; that carbon dioxide is taken in from the atmosphere through tiny openings, called stomata (singular, stoma), in the leaves; and that light is absolutely necessary for the production of oxygen and food. The carbon dioxide uptake and oxygen release are closely related and both depend on light actions. CO2 + H2O + light energy –> sugar + O2, but many details in the process remain hidden. Oxygen released during photosynthesis comes from the carbon dioxide or from water. Trees combat climate change. Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by many factors is a building up in our atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive 26,000 miles. #RandolphHarris 5 of 11

The morning woods are utterly new. Trees absorb orders and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees provide oxygen—in one year, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people. Trees cool the streets and the city. Average temperature in Los Angeles, California USA have risen 6 degrees Fahrenheit in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings have increased. Trees cool the city by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, by shading our houses and streets, and breaking up urban heat islands, and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves. Urban heat islands can affect communities by increasing Summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality and water quality. On a hot, sunny Summer day, roof and pavement surface temperature can be 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than air, while shaded or moist surfaces–often in more rural surroundings—remain close to air temperatures. #RandolphHarris 6 of 11

Trees are the cradle of the race and dwelling place of the supreme God. Three trees places strategically around a single-family house can cut Summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants. Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture. Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall this allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the Earth below the tree. This prevents storm water from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge ground water supplies. On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place, which prevent soil erosion. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancers in the United States of America, trees shield people from ultraviolet rays exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds—where children spend hours outdoors. #RandolphHarris 7 of 11 

The grove is the center of their religion and trees also provide food. An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on tiny urban lots. And trees also provide birds and wildlife with food. Studied have also shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Furthermore, children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature helps concentration by reducing mental fatigue. Moreover, neighborhoods and houses that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts, so trees help to reduce violence and trees and other landscaping help to reduce levels of fear. Tree also mark the seasons and people enjoy the color changes or the beauty of strong evergreen trees. In addition, trees create economic opportunities. By harvesting fruit, community orchards can be sold, this providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. #RandolphHarris 8 of 11 

Humans come from the Earth. Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat throughout the ages. Tree planting also provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of our life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree care event. Trees also are helpful landmarks and can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride. Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife, and they can mask concrete walls, parking lots, unsightly views and also add privacy. Another benefit is that tree muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees also absorb dust and wind and reduce glare. During the cold winter month, tree provide wood for fuel and craft wood. The butterflies were vaulting and furling about.  The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent. Even the evergreens looked greener, newly created and washed.  #RandolphHarris 9 of 11

Studies have shown that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic—enough to allow the driver to look at the store fronts instead of just speeding by. And finally, a healthy lawn increases soil stability through its deep and expansive root structure which reduces land degradation and erosion from wind and water. A healthy lawn has the same cooling effect as an 8.5-ton air conditioning compressor. Lawns also increase property values, reduce stress are a great place for recreation, they absorb noise, and save water. A soccer field can absorb 50,000 gallons of water before runoff occurs and stores it in the Earth.  Grass also reduces carbon dioxide and traps an estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released annually into the atmosphere. Turfgrass areas measuring 2,500 square feet produce enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe. An average size healthy lawn can capture as much as 300 pounds of carbon per years and a golf course can capture 1,500 pounds per year. One soccer field can offset the carbon produces by a car driving 3,000 miles. #RandolphHarris 10 of 11

 The environmental benefits of trees and grass and their impact on the greenhouse effect is the most sensible and economically feasible approach to countering the greenhouse effect in urban areas. On a hot summer day, a well-maintained lawn area will be at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than asphalt and 14 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than bare soil.  Each generation takes the Earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forest and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed. The forest are the flags of nature. They appeal to all and awaken inspiring universal feelings. Enter the forest and the boundaries of nations are forgotten. It may be that some time an immortal time will be the flag of a united peaceful World. When you enter a grove peopled with ancient trees, higher than the ordinary, and shutting out the sky with their thickly inter-twined branches, do not the stately shadows of the wood, the stillness of the place, and the beauty shade of the cavern then strike you with the presence of a deity? The groves were God’s first temples. #RandolphHarris 11 of 11