Thanks to Shannon Suberbielle-Claussen, Woodcreek resident and Trees and Parks Board Secretary, for crafting this ode of Thanksgiving for our community's trees. We are so fortunate to live in a community that truly treasures and protects its trees.
As autumn settles in and Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded of the many ways we are connected—to one another, to the land beneath us, and to the trees that quietly shape our neighborhood. Like the beloved story The Giving Tree, our local trees are steadfast companions, offering gifts that often go unnoticed until we pause to appreciate them.
If you take a walk around Woodcreek, you’ll see them lining the streets and standing tall in our parks and yards. Some are just beginning their journey, newly planted and still finding their footing. Others have been here for decades, quietly offering their gifts every single day.
This is the essence of community and gratitude—the give-and-take that sustains life. Just as neighbors share tools, meals, and laughter, our trees share their gifts freely. They model generosity without words. In this season of thanks, may we pause to notice them—the golden leaves swirling down the street, the sheltering branches arching above our walkways—and feel a deeper sense of belonging to the living world around us.
When we care for our trees, we are caring for our future. We are saying thank you in the most enduring way possible: by continuing the cycle of giving. When we plant a young tree, we take on a bit of a nurturing role. We water, mulch, and protect it from the harsh sun or an overzealous lawn mower. It’s a little like raising a child or caring for a pet; trees are nature’s quiet workhorses. They absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen we rely on with every breath. Their roots filter rainwater, replenishing the groundwater beneath us. They provide food and shelter for countless species, including the pollinators that keep our gardens blooming and our food growing. In neighborhoods, trees even help reduce stress, buffer noise, and encourage people to spend more time outdoors—boosting both physical and mental health.
It’s a beautiful reminder of how giving and gratitude work hand in hand. The trees we nurture return the favor many times over. They teach us patience, reciprocity, and the quiet joy of long-term care.
As Thanksgiving approaches, may we take a moment to look up—to notice the golden leaves, the crisp air, and the living canopy that connects us all. When we plant and protect trees, we’re not just caring for nature; we’re investing in the well-being of everyone who calls this neighborhood home.
Because every tree truly has a gift to give.