The Hub April 2015 | Page 10

Over the years, phrases like “Go green!,” “energy-efficient” and “environmentally friendly” have grown in popularity. After generations of building, bulldozing and burning, the last couple of decades have brought a new awareness of the full impact our actions have had on the planet. And it’s not just faraway rain forests we’re concerned about; forestry philosophy has emerged closer to home. In fact, it’s so close, many area residents could say the grass really is greener on the other side: on the other side of their fences, that is. But why care? Why add a green belt to this blue collar town? The Giving Tree Story by Shelbey Hernandez Photos courtesy of Essex Region Conservation Authority