The Man Who Planted Trees: A Story of Lost Groves, the Science of Trees, and a Plan to Save the Planet Paperback – March 3, 2015

Jim Robbins is an outstanding science and environmental writer, and he knows how to tell a compelling story. I couldn’t stop reading this wonderful book that is, ultimately, about the importance of trees and forests and their unequalled role in nourishing life on the planet. Robbins intermingles a wide range of topics, revealing the impact of human action—both in looting the natural world and in acting now to save it. He takes the reader on a rocky road that follows David Milarch’s visionary passion to clone trees as a hedge against climate change, through the Milarch family’s work with the Champion Tree project as well as Milarch’s own organization, Archangel Ancient Tree Archive. Robbins’ ability to write about the science of forestry and climate change, human intuition and near death experiences, the cosmic importance and connectivity among trees, among many other topics, as well as to propose a “Bioplan” for saving the planet is unparalleled. This is a book for those of us who love any of the following topics: science, nature, history, culture, intuition, spirituality, and survival. Robbins is my “go-to” source for learning about the natural world. In this book (just as in another one of his fabulous books, The Wonder of Birds), Robbins is a trustworthy guide and interpreter of science and the environment.

Loved this book. Met the tree man at a speaking engagement, the hope for a brighter future is what he’s about.

David Milarch is the kind of person who makes the world go. Twenty years ago, he had a vision to save the worlds trees by cloning the Champions of the tree world. Many scientists said it could not be done. He went and did it anyway. And, he's lead an interesting life.People have differing views on the causes and effects of the world geting warmer over the last 150 years. I'm not sure myself. Climate studies is a young science where there is still much to learn. But, I do agree that healthy forest are a big part of a healthy world.This book makes a good case for why trees have great value beyond the wood that we use. They clean our air and water and soil from the pollutants we have been putting into them. Plus, being around them can just make us feel better. This book does contain a good bit of mysticism, and some of the folks in it make claims that seem to be a bit out there for someone like me who tend to be rather (or perhaps over) logical. I would love it if trees do communicate with each other, or act as cosmic antenna. I will be a bit sceptical and I hope open minded about that.I may not be able to clone the champion trees of the world. But, I will try in my own small way do to what I can. I am a member of our local land trust (Sycamore Land Trust) which has preserved over 7000 acres to date. I am working on improving my yard with more natural landscaping and trees. I recently helped out with the Arbor Day tree giveaway and now have a tiny Black Oak seedling growing in the backyard. Maybe someday it can be a Champion.

Jim Robbins has an easy-to-read writing style, but don’t be fooled. This book contains a lot of scientific information about nature, the environment, and how trees fit into the big picture, offering hope for the future of the Earth. His story centers around David Milarch’s project to clone champion trees to save their DNA by planting the young clones in multiple locations for their best chance of survival, and ours. David’s enthusiasm was inspired by a message received during a near death experience, and although he frequently stumbles, his passion repeatedly leads him to the right places for both financial and scientific support. Jim Robbins does an excellent job of bringing together the many aspects of David’s story resulting in a book that is not only informative, but also inspirational. Trees are a passion of mine, but I love this story on many levels in addition to honoring trees.

I've always loved trees. The apathy with which they are treated has always puzzled me. So it was with great interest that I read this book by Jim Robbins. The central figure is David Milarch, a fairly ordinary man who was instructed by Beings of Light, to begin cloning champion trees. These Beings began communicating with him after a near-death experience. I would have read the book for the near-death story alone, but the book provided so much more. After traveling with Milarch and the people who've helped him in his quest, Robbins provides an account of Milarch's efforts to save the trees.He also interviews scientists and forestry experts from all over the world. Sharing fascinating details about what we know about forests, he stresses how crucial they are to our quality of life and our very survival. But even more importantly, he shares the shocking amount of information we don't know about them. We need to prioritize this research because time is running out.By turns uplifting and heartbreaking, this book will increase your appreciation for the trees and will increase your sense of wonder at the same time. It's one of the best science-related books I've ever read.

This was an unbelievable read that showed great insight into the extraordinary value trees provide our earth. I thought I knew a lot about trees but this opened my eyes in a whole new way. This should be at the top of everyone's list of books to read.

I bought this book after watching a David Milarch TEDx talk. Interesting though weird book but the writer brings the whole story in a very compelling way that sucked me. The book has many layers and is part hard science part mystic. If one can live with that this is a, in my view, tale that needs telling. My guess is people will either love this book and get the message or stumble over some 'weird' passages and dismiss it as hogwash.One thing is clear both men have a deep love for trees and hope more people join their quest to save the planet by saving the trees.

Very informative and a good read.

Inspiring read.

A story within a story that embraces a leap of faith and determination, but Mr. Robbins stays true to scientific principles to ground the story line. It has created a thirst to know more which has lead to my other book choices.Well done, Mr. Robbins!