Protecting the Cathedrals of Trees

 

                                                                Fire in Sequoia National Forest 

Many years ago Ruth accompanied me when I travelled to Victoria BC for a national church meeting -- imagine, those gatherings with representatives from across the country actually occurred! When the meeting over several days concluded we drove to Pacific Rim National Park and walked a couple of forest trails. As we made our way through towering red cedars and massive hemlocks we were in awe, and realized that at times we were speaking in hushed tones, as though we were in a cathedral. We had actually stopped on our way across the island at Cathedral Grove, a stand of giant Douglas firs. 

For centuries humans of European background have destroyed forests of these giant trees in Canada and the United States and all that remains are the remnants, often in national parks.The age of some of these trees is mind-boggling. Some are older than our Christian religion and others may predate the birth of Judaism.

 Recently, urgent efforts have been made to protect sequoias from wildfires in California. Firefighters have wrapped the bases in protective aluminum blankets and it seems to have been successful -- this time. The combination of often indiscriminate cutting and the ravages of climate change accelerated fires is a serious threat.

We've just been informed that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been stabilized as the first step toward restoration after a devastating fire two years ago. For all we revere this historic building many of the endangered trees are older than the cathedral and their crowns compare in height to that of the nave. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the same commitment was made to preserving forests, and not just of the superstar variety?

 Notre Dame means Our Lady and there is a monastery in California called Our Lady of the Redwoods, home to a small community of Cisterian nuns whose buildings are situated in the trees. God bless and preserve the trees of forests around the world as our necessary companions and teachers. We can certainly prayer for forest protectors around the world, including those currently protesting at Fairy Creek on Vancouver Island 

Cathedral Grove Painting -- Diane Rae 2005