The Dry Garden: “The tree rings’ tale”

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 1 Comment

Tree rings detail from "The tree rings' tale" by John Fleck, University of New Mexico Press, 2009As the United Nations Climate Change Conference concludes in Copenhagen, what is a smart kid to make of the riots? That we’re all going to die — Santa first? That in a few years down the road, discussion of climate is best had wearing a clown’s nose while taunting a Danish policeman?

Let’s hope not. Let’s dream instead that winter solstice on Monday marks brighter days ahead in which the next generation may be armed with the best knowledge of what climate change means and what can be done about it.

And, eh presto, an ideal volume is at hand. A newly released book aimed at young teens, “The Tree Rings’ Tale: Understanding our Changing Climate,” is the work of science writer John Fleck. Although there are other texts out there for children, what sets Fleck’s book apart for Californians is its emphasis on the West. It’s particularly relevant to kids who experience nature in irrigated California gardens, taking them beyond the hose, the reservoirs and the aqueducts to explain the natural systems of the dry West that headlines tell us are under such dire threat. Click here to keep reading this week’s installment of The Dry Garden in the Los Angeles Times.

Comments

One Response to “The Dry Garden: “The tree rings’ tale””

  1. Joshua
    December 21st, 2009 @ 12:01 pm

    I’ve just found your blog from a post at David Zetland’s Aguanomics, and I am glad I did! I’ll be coming back for more.

    I’ll also be checking out this book you recommend.

Leave a Reply





  • After the lawn


  • As you were saying: Comments

  • As I was saying: Recent posts

  • Garden blogs


  • Contact

    Emily Green by e-mail at emily.green [at] mac.com
  • Categories