#MyTree Winner Announced

Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.

–Hermann Hesse

If we have gleaned one truism from the #MyTree entries we received this year, it’s that trees are, indeed, sanctuaries. They protect us from the elements and from the hustle and bustle of daily life. They nurture our creativity and our empathy. They are playmates, old friends, resting spots and scenic vistas. Trees truly can be all things to all people; in their ancient wisdom, they seem to somehow know what each of us needs to feel whole, to feel loved.

Our Nature Explore team has enjoyed receiving and reviewing all of your #MyTree photo entries. As with last year’s debut contest, we each made passionate cases for our favorites all while bemoaning the difficulty of choosing just one winner. Here are a few of the photos that “spoke to us.”

And the 2016 #MyTree winner is…

We couldn’t help but smile when we saw the pure joy on these children’s faces. Congratulations to Alicia Weithers, winner of a Nature Explore Resource Guide gift certificate. And, thanks to all of you who participated in our second annual #MyTree contest! You brightened our days with your stunning photos. Until next year…