RETREET BLOG

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

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.114

Most people think a forest is something that exists far away, a bastion of nature untouched by human development. Not so, says TED Fellow Shubhendu Sharma. Click below to learn how you can grow a complete, complex 100-year-old forest in your own backyard, in just 10 years. We're already digging!

GROW A FOREST IN YOUR BACKYARD (essay/video)

Once your backyard forest has been established, crush another commonly held misconception: that forests are places in which trees just battle for supremacy, a vast competition for resources. In fact, trees do more than help each other out in times of need, they collaborate. Another fascinating TED Talk on that subject follows.

Life surely has ups and downs, low points and moments when you're riding high. That being said, no one rides higher than Felix Guirola of Havana, Cuba. If this picture isn't clickbait enough, what is?

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)

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)

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)

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!

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.

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)

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.111

Happy July 4th weekend! Did you know that the first act of defiance against the British leading up to the Revolutionary War took place in 1765 under a stately elm? Dubbed The Liberty Tree, this symbol of resistance was felled ten years later by the British in order to crush the spirit of revolt. It didn't work. In fact, their actions had the opposite effect. Learn about this incredible tree at the link below.

Have you ever wanted to ride a bicycle from coast to coast, through amber waves of grain and over purple mountains majesty? There's no better way to experience the incredible diversity of people and geography that the United States has to offer. If you ever decide to scratch that itch, check out this blog, which is meant to prepare would-be adventurers for the trials and tribulations of the road ahead.

The next time you have to cut a tree down, or if the British show up in your yard and fell your favorite elm, here are loads of amazing ideas for what to do with the remains. Don't let that stump go to waste!

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.110

Over 150 years ago, a hunter named August Dowd discovered a giant sequoia stretching over 300 feet towards the sky. He was dumbfounded. News of the special specimen spread quickly, and eventually a team of lumberjacks showed up to spend the following three weeks cutting it down. The story doesn't end there, though. Read the tragic tail of The Mammoth Tree, a place you can no longer go.

In hopeful contrast to the above tale, clusters of new baby giant sequoias have begun to spring up in the aftermath of the Rough Fire in the Sierra Nevada. Read this inspiring article about tiny seedlings en route to becoming the world's largest trees.

Bicycles and trains were invented at roughly the same time in human history. Every year, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic pits one against the other in Colorado. Started by Jim and Tom Meyer decades ago, in 1972, the ride sprang out of a simple boast. Now, it draws thousands of cyclists each year. In 2016, 2,500 cyclists from 43 states and 6 countries accepted the challenge. Can you guess how many of them beat the train?

IRON HORSE: BICYCLE VS TRAIN (video/article)

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.109

Happy Father's Day! Everyone knows who the world's best dad is – yours! Speaking of the best, check out this amazing list of the world's most superlative trees. There are some real gems in this collection. Connecting these dots would be an incredible trip indeed.

A GUIDE TO SUPERLATIVE TREES (infographic)

If your dad is an avid cyclist and you're looking for the perfect gift to give him next year, consider the TwiCycle. Featuring arm-cranks attached to a front wheel gear, this unique ride offers a full body workout. Watch the promo video!

Have you ever seen a tree droop at night? Researchers in Austria, Finland, and Hungary studied birch trees using lasers and found something fascinating: trees may sleep. You'll have to click the link below for details.

BOULDER RETREET II
June 3rd-5th, 2016

Lyons, CO, is a community of about 2,000 people 15 miles north of Boulder. In the 1860s, families from the eastern U.S. began settling land that had been home to the Ute Nation. In 1881, Edward S. Lyon founded the town after buying 160 acres and opening a sandstone quarrying operation. Over the years, Lyons grew into a reputable destination for those wishing to spend time in its unforgettable scenery.

On September 12th, 2013, Lyons was severely affected by floodwater that inundated much of the front range, including Jamestown and Evans, the sites of our two previous Colorado RETREETs. The National Guard began evacuating the entire town at daybreak. One life was lost.

Last weekend, 35 volunteers gathered in Lyons to plant 100 trees at 20 homes and in Bohn Park. Their unique contribution to the landscape of that community greatly impacted the residents in a way that will be long remembered, much like their experience of participating in BOULDER RETREET II!

RETREETers began to arrive in Denver on Wednesday, June 1st, just in time for the Denver Cruiser Ride. A favorite from last year, the DCR's theme this time around was "The People of Walmart." We did our best to blend. Our group made a lot of new friends at the starting point, Little Machine Brewery, and at the The Dead End, the ceremonial end point which is little more than a cul-de-sac on the other side of the train tracks, under a bridge. A great party ensued.

The next morning, trees and supplies began to arrive in Lyons and RETREETers were on site to receive them. The Home Depot delivered mulch, wildlife protection, and tools, all of which they donated through a grant from The Home Depot Foundation. Trees, including Colorado spruce, wavyleaf oak, hotwings maple, and thinleaf alder, were procured from Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery and were purchased with funds granted by both Lyons Lions Club and LUSH Cosmetics. Staff from the Town of Lyons and the Parks Department helped deliver material to home sites with us that day, in anticipation of the planting. The previous week, members of Colorado State Forest Service met with each resident in order to mark appropriate planting locations. By the end of the day, we were set to plant.

SUPPLIES BEING DELIVERED BY THE HOME DEPOT

On Friday, the 3rd, a dozen RETREETers gathered at Full Cycle, a bike shop in downtown Boulder that provided bicycles for folks traveling in from far and wide. Cyclists 4 Community, a partner from last year and a likeminded organization that has raised $200,000 for flood victims to date, then took us on a wonderful guided ride, a loop between Boulder and Lyons. It was an absolutely perfect day, group, and route.

All remaining RETREETers arrived in Colorado on Saturday and, once gathered, the assembly headed to The Outdoor Games. Everyone took turns enjoying the festival and manning the RETREET booth, a perfect opportunity to reach out to a highly receptive crowd. Luckily, we set up right in front of the BMX course, which made for some spectacular views. We capped the night with a group dinner at The Mediterranean and a stroll around Boulder. Talk about a taste of Colorado!

Sunday, members of Team Depot joined RETREETers for a demonstration planting in Bohn Park, after which a group planting was held. From there, small groups were formed and sent into neighborhoods, each planting at 5 homes. At the end of the day, the crew enjoyed dinner and drinks at Oskar Blues, in celebration with local residents. The mayor even popped by to say thanks!

Additional operational support for BOULDER RETREET was provided by Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation, who approved a $10,000 grant in support of BOULDER RETREET II. We offer them our gratitude. We can't wait to come plant trees again in Colorado!

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.108

Electric bicycles are all the rage these days. Plenty of fully articulated models are on the market, as are kits that allow you to transform your trusty steed into an effortless speed demon. The GeoOrbital Wheel has gone through six iterations thus far, and the newest model is their best yet. It doesn't get any easier than this.

Books owe a lot to trees, especially being made from them, but it's the trees in books that caught our attention. Here are seven contenders for the best tree in literature. Have one of your own? Nominate it in the comments!

FAVORITE TREES IN LITERATURE (photo essay)

Rumor has it that The Chapel Oak is as old as France itself. It has witnessed some amazing moments in history and has been visited by the likes of Charlemagne and William the Conqueror. This incredible tree is home to two chapels and is whimsical in appearance. Read more about this incredible specimen at the link below.

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.107

It's well known that counting the rings of a tree reveals its age. Each ring represents a year, a 12-month growth cycle starting with a boom in the spring and ending in winter dormancy. Hidden within the rings is every iteration of the tree, including the original sapling. Italian artist Guiseppe Penone carves out the young tree from its final form. This is something amazing to see!

Why cut down a tree to build a home when you can build a tubular glass structure encapsulating it? If and when this idea becomes a reality, sign RETREET up for a tour. Perhaps our future HQ?

Taking the previous concept to the next level is this vertical eco-village. A design that creates more energy than it consumes and is entirely sustainable, this concept is an engineering marvel. Watch a short video and be dazzled. Hopefully, this will be a major element of cities to come.

SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.106

We've seen folding bicycles before, but the GI FlyBike really takes the cake. This futuristic ride halves in size in seconds and makes for easy storage. This is clip we could watch again and again. And again.

Happy Birthday to the world's oldest tree! Methuselah, a bristlecone pine, just turned 4,847. It's exact location is kept a secret by the US Forest Service in order to protect it, though we know it stands somewhere in the Great Basin. Here's to many more years!

What's better than a public food forest? One that floats! Swale, an edible tourist attraction built on a barge, is set to disembark this June in NYC. If you have a chance, check it out.