Juliet Cain and Meaghan Hetherington of the Darien Nature Center will talk about the “Power of Trees,” on Thursday evening, May 9, at Darien Library, discussing how much trees contribute to our lives, including how they help the environment and provide mental health benefits.
— an announcement from Darien Library
Do you know how much trees contribute to your daily life?
Any elementary student can tell you that through a chemical reaction known as photosynthesis trees produce and release oxygen, an essential element for all living things. However, trees do much more than produce oxygen and beautify our landscapes. They also remove tons of climate-warming carbon dioxide and other harmful gases from the air we breathe, they cool the earth’s air and surface temperatures, and they provide food and habitats for thousands of animal species and other wildlife. They also mitigate the effects of flooding through reduced soil erosion and stormwater runoff.
Researchers have identified numerous other physical and mental health benefits associated with exposure to trees and woodlands. These include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression; strengthened immune systems; and improved student academic performance. Growing evidence suggests that trees help people live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
This event has been organized by Darien Library, along with Darien Nature Center, Darien Land Trust and Darien Pollinator Pathway.
If You’re Going …
The event takes place in the Conference Room at Darien Library from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 9.
You can register here to attend.
About the Presenters
Juliet Cain has been a resident of Darien for almost 20 years. Since retiring from the practice of law in New York City, she has focused on environmental issues. She served on the Policy on Resilient Forests for CT’s Future (the PRFCT Future) working group 2021 – 2022 and on the CT GC3 Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry working group in 2022.
She was Chair of the Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Darien and Zone Representative for the Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of America from 2020 – 2022. Juliet is an accredited organic land care professional certified by CT Northeast Organic Farming Association and is a cofounder of the Darien Pollinator Pathway.
The DPP seeks to eliminate the use of pesticides and to restore pollinator populations through native plantings and, with grant funding, has undertaken several tree planting projects in Darien. As former Chair of the Darien Beautification Commission, Juliet spearheaded the native plantings at the Darien Town Hall.
Meaghan Hetherington, LCSW, is a psychoanalytically-trained psychotherapist. In her clinical practice, she works with adults and adolescents experiencing a range of emotional, mental health and life issues. Meaghan draws upon a range of clinical theories and knowledge, including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, to promote emotional health and wellbeing.
Meaghan practices therapy within Wellness Insights, a Darien-based multidisciplinary collaboration of healthcare providers. She has lived with her family in Darien for seven years, and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Darien Nature Center for five years.
Meaghan is particularly interested in how nature promotes physical and emotional health in people, and how people can better care for the environment.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enter their name in a giveaway to win one of five native trees (one-gallon containers) donated by the Darien Pollinator Pathway.