Sacred Trees, Sacred People of the Pacific Northwest

As we proceed into the new millennium, an ancient notion is taking root in defence of the Earth-that Nature is sentient. For those who have pondered this possibility, Sacred Trees, Sacred People of the Pacific Northwest is timely and relevant. For those who are certain of the sacredness of Nature, this book will inspire. Sacred Trees, Sacred People is an exploration of our relationship with Nature embodied by trees within the Pacific Northwest. Each chapter resurrects the story of a real tree held sacred by communities throughout the region and asks the question, "What is the nature of relationship with this tree, and what is the result?" Why focus on trees within the Pacific Northwest? This is a region that has experienced intense conflict over the management of the largest remaining forests spanning two countries within North America. It is also a region that has inspired much scientific, philosophical, entrepreneurial, and social creativity. To date, no book yet published about trees connects current events, Pacific Northwestern culture and spirituality to our relationship with trees. Since 1994, author Sharon McCann has lived in the Pacific Northwest. She first encountered the passion that some people feel about trees when she heard them remark that trees are sentient. "Impossible " she thought, but then she became curious. In 1998 she began to journey within the Pacific Northwest-into British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and Northern California-looking for sentient trees. She would look for relationships between people and trees, she decided, for that would indicate communication and perhaps sentience. She discovered trees that became catalysts for personal and community change, and people who seemed to be ordained by trees. The author's keen observation and telling of local histories reveal common and uncommon men and women of the Pacific Northwest, including loggers, treesitters, big tree hunters, scientists, and ordinary citizens. While the focus is regional, the stories have universal appeal because many of us are seeking to reconnect with Nature as we fear its irreparable destruction.