What Humans Can Learn From Trees (Encore)

Apr 24, 2025

Suzanne Simard, a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia, shares her groundbreaking insights into tree communication. She reveals that trees are not just in competition but actively support one another, forming intricate networks of cooperation. Simard discusses the essential role of 'mother trees' in ecosystems and how connecting with nature can foster a sense of belonging. She also highlights the importance of gratitude towards trees, inviting listeners to embrace the healing power of forests in their lives.

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ANECDOTE

Healing Through Yew Trees

Suzanne Simard battled breast cancer with chemotherapy, including Taxol derived from the Pacific yew tree.
Sitting near yew trees with family gave her hope and strength during recovery.

INSIGHT

Role of Mother Trees

Mother trees are the largest, oldest trees that serve as hubs in fungal networks in forests.
They nurture seedlings by sharing resources, facilitating forest growth and resilience.

INSIGHT

Trees Collaborate and Communicate

Trees do not only compete but also collaborate by exchanging carbon, nutrients, water, and information.
Collaboration includes sending defense signals and resources, which challenges previous views of nature as solely competitive.

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Trees aren’t just competing for sunlight and soil—they’re also looking out for one another. Scientist Suzanne Simard reveals the unexpected ways trees communicate, share resources, and support us.

Summary: We dive into what we can learn from the neural networks of forests, evolution and cooperation, and how trees are a fundamental solution to the climate crises we are facing today with ecologist Suzanne Simard. She also shares her forest gratitude practice and invites us to reflect on what it means to feel a sense of belonging in the forest.

How To Do This Practice:

Go to a forest or natural space, ideally near yew trees or other trees you feel connected to.
Sit quietly, even if you're tired or unwell, and allow yourself to simply be there.
Acknowledge the presence and life of the trees around you.
Offer your gratitude to the trees—for their medicine, their strength, or simply their being.
If you're with loved ones, invite them to join in the gratitude.
Feel the connection between yourself, the trees, and your companions.
Return to this practice as often as you can, letting the forest remind you that you're not alone.

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Today’s Guests:

DR. SUZANNE SIMARD is a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and the author of Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest.

Read her book here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfy463z

Related The Science of Happiness episodes:

How Water Heals: https://tinyurl.com/utuhrnh3

Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher (Encore): https://tinyurl.com/aj34s585

The Healing Effects of Experiencing Wildlife: https://tinyurl.com/49pkk6eu

Related Happiness Breaks:

How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm

Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3

A Walking Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/mwbsen7a

Tell us about your experience connecting with nature. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yvrd9jje