RETREET BLOG

RETREET redefines disaster relief by engaging communities to replant lost trees.


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.115

A rather strange mystery has developed in Midtown Omaha. Who is stabbing trees in public parks with meat-wrapped knives, and why?

STABBING TREES WITH MEAT? (video)

STABBING TREES WITH MEAT? (video)

Over the past 25 years, a fascinating transition has taken place in areas of England that were absolutely decimated by mining operations. It's incredible to see what a few million saplings can do given the right amount of time.

FIXING A BROKEN LANDSCAPE (article)

FIXING A BROKEN LANDSCAPE (article)

Is your city one of the most bicycle friendly in the US? Click the link below to find out!

THE BEST BIKE CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA (article)

THE BEST BIKE CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA (article)

Have you ever wondered what a squirrel sees as it zips through the trees? Well, one inquisitive individual grabbed a GoPro and took it on a canopy tour. This is a really fun video to watch.

A SQUIRREL TAKES US ON A TOUR OF THE TREES (video)

A SQUIRREL TAKES US ON A TOUR OF THE TREES (video)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.113

Amazingly, one of the first fruit trees planted by European settlers upon reaching US soil is still alive, well, and bearing fruit. The Endicott pear took root in 1630 and ever since has been lauded and carefully cared for by many, though it has encountered its fair share of trials and tribulations through the centuries as well. A fascinating tale!

US FRUIT TREE PLANTED BY EUROPEAN SETTLERS (article)

US FRUIT TREE PLANTED BY EUROPEAN SETTLERS (article)

We've posted several stories of incredible efforts to plants trees in India, but this one takes the cake. This past Monday, more than 800,000 people from all walks of life planted almost 50 MILLION trees in 24 HOURS in Uttar Pradesh, absolutely crushing the world record set by Pakistan in 2013. Read more about this planting and the $6.2 billion the Indian government has put aside to funds such efforts.

50 MILLION TREES PLANTED IN INDIA (short article)

50 MILLION TREES PLANTED IN INDIA (short article)

In 1919, a powerful group of women came together in Eureka, CA, with a single purpose: to save the Redwoods. Their incredible efforts were revolutionary at the time. Not only did they challenge established gender norms, these women created one of the first environmental movements in the US.

THE WOMEN WHO SAVED THE REDWOODS (article)

THE WOMEN WHO SAVED THE REDWOODS (article)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.112

A major construction project is underway on the east coast of the US, one that will allow cyclists to visit 15 states on a single bike path. Stretching 3,000 miles, The East Coast Greenway will showcase 450 communities visitors on two-wheels, providing an amazing opportunity to travel the country. Let's do it!

EAST COAST GREENWAY (photo essay/video)

EAST COAST GREENWAY (photo essay/video)

A massive fire swept through part of Spain in 2012, charring thousands of acres. When the ashes settled, a startling discovery was made. A group of cypress trees still stood tall and green. But why? Could these trees be used to lessen the impact future wildfires? Read about the enigma of the trees that resist the flames.

FIRE RESISTANT TREES (article)

FIRE RESISTANT TREES (article)

Ramadan ended on July 5th, but this story continues to inspire. A 26-year-old woman named Nouran Salah in Egypt created a successful initiative to feed the poor by bicycle. She and her following deliver meals each of the 30 days of Ramadan, bringing Iftar to those in need. Learn more about Bel Bicycle below.

FEEDING THE POOR BY BICYCLE IN EGYPT (photo essay/video)

FEEDING THE POOR BY BICYCLE IN EGYPT (photo essay/video)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.86

Over the years, numerous studies have shown that a walk through the woods, or "forest bath" as Japanese doctors describe it, is a great way to reduce stress and fatigue. However, a new study out of Australia takes that notion one step further. Believe it or not, even gazing for a moment at something green outside of your office window will calm you down and help you focus. Give it a try tomorrow at work!

GREEN BREAKS FOR YOUR BRAIN (article)

GREEN BREAKS FOR YOUR BRAIN (article)

What's the difference between fall in North America and fall in Europe? One word: RED. Finnish and Israeli scientists followed a trail of research that led them back in time 35 million years in order to answer what brought about this striking difference in foliage.

DIFFERENCES IN FALL FOLIAGE (video)

DIFFERENCES IN FALL FOLIAGE (video)

One man, obsessed with the history of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, decided the only way he could fully understand the story was to retrace John Wilkes Booth's 12-day run from the authorities after having shot the President at Ford's Theater. Lacking a horse, he realized the best way to do it was by bike. Follow his fascinating journey of discovery.

BIKING AFTER BOOTH (article)

BIKING AFTER BOOTH (article)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.75

Did you know that, in 1900, Los Angeles had a bicycle highway and the US was a world leader in bike lanes? Or that Smithville, NJ, was home to a bicycle railroad that stretched two miles in 1892? This fascinating article takes a look at the history of bike lanes in America, and offers more than a few surprises.

HISTORY OF BIKE LANES (article)

HISTORY OF BIKE LANES (article)

New Zealander Barry Cox, who once aspired to be the Pope, spent 4 years building a church out of living trees. He just opened the structure and surrounding grounds to the public and made the location available for weddings. Each event involves 8 hours of primping, the results of which are glorious. Check out this architectural treasure!

THE TREE CHURCH (photos/video)

THE TREE CHURCH (photos/video)

Detroit's Silverdome, once home to the Detroit Lions, Wrestlemania III, Supercross, and World Cup soccer games, was shut down for good a few years ago. Now, as the building slowly decays, a new kind of athlete is giving it a final farewell. BMX cyclist Tyler Fernengel made the abandoned structure his personal playground, to epic effect. 

A BMX FAREWELL TO THE SILVERDOME (photos/video)

A BMX FAREWELL TO THE SILVERDOME (photos/video)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.48

Before 1900, the American chestnut accounted for 1 in every 4 hardwood trees in the eastern forests of the US. Though a fungal blight killed over 4 billion of these majestic beauties, almost causing their extinction, there may be hope on the horizon for their regeneration. Learn about the past, present, and potential future of these amazing trees.

Have you ever wanted to ride your bike across the country, or wondered how the bike lanes in one city compare with those in another? Take a gander at the United Bike Lanes of America Infographic, a GOOD + CLIF Bar project. 

Few people know how to build tree houses as well as Takashi Kobayashi. Click through a gallery of some of his finest masterworks.

THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT (article)

THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT (article)

BIKE LANES OF AMERICA (interactive map)

BIKE LANES OF AMERICA (interactive map)

TREEHOUSE MASTER (slideshow)

TREEHOUSE MASTER (slideshow)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.30

This week, we share one of our new favorite blogs, "Rides a Bike," which features historic shots of celebrities cycling. In honor of Audrey Hepburn's 85th birthday, they posted the photo below. Click the link to see more classy snaps.

Do you know your state tree? How about all 50? Guam's? Expand your knowledge at the link below. Finally, check out 80 eco-friendly bike designs. Some are among the craziest we've seen.

RIDES A BIKE

RIDES A BIKE

LIST OF STATE TREES

LIST OF STATE TREES

ECO-FRIENDLY BICYCLES

ECO-FRIENDLY BICYCLES