Taking this class has awakened some of my senses, which have been buried inside me for years. I have become more sensitive to the surroundings around me, particularly nature. I have come to appreciate every part of nature around me even something so simple as a patch of grass (which I no longer walk on). Nature has always been an important part of my life. What would I do for nature? The Earth First article talked about a man from Austin who has died to save a tree. It is apparent that even one tree is important to this man, even to die for.

Based on reading other students' Tree journal, even one tree, a sycamore tree is valuable. It is hard to determine whether they would die for a single tree but it is apparent that each one would do anything in their power to protect one. One student suggested living naturally and not use anything that harms or takes away from nature. Another student suggested that people should be limited to having just one baby per family or not having kids at all. Everyone had different views on what a tree represents to life and had different interpretations of what a tree might be experiencing from our treatment of them.

So what would I do for a tree or nature? I would do everything realistically possible to save a tree. I believe that each tree has a history just like us and they should not be cut down. One of the things I love about UT is that they try to save the trees whenever they are adding a building on campus. When Gregory Gym was remodeled I was worried about the effects it might have on the trees and if they would be cut down. Fortunately, UT was smart and realized the value of every single tree on campus. Although we barely survived while walking near the construction during the school year, the trees did survive. I also believe that trees are very important resources in our lives. If we do cut down trees, we should also be responsible in using them. I would encourage other people to recycle paper. Being responsible also means replacing every tree that is cut down and giving them a chance to grow. I also don't think we should cut a whole forest down and plant new trees afterward. Cutting them down a few at a time seems like a good idea. There are so many other factors involved. I don't know if we can ever solve the problem of cutting down trees without making a group of people unhappy.

Although I support the cutting down of trees for use as resource, I do believe that something should be done about the massive destruction of forests. Trees and plants play a great part in our environment in that they are the main source of oxygen. Also, by massive destruction of forests, we are probably destroying other life forms' only habitat.