Ridges Reads: The Root Issue

Examining the Science and Debate of a Wood-Wide Web

Baileys Harbor, Wis. (December 8, 2023) – Children’s fairy tale storybooks often depict enchanted forests with trees that are vibrantly alive and share their secrets with all who enter. In real life, however, there is scientific evidence, and ongoing debate, around claims of a “woodwide web” of tree-to-tree communication.

Beginning in January, The Ridges Sanctuary will host its annual Ridges Reads book club to explore the premise of a shared network of dependency among trees. The Root Issue discussion will center on the published works of best-selling authors of Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard, and The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wholleban, as well as article resources that question their research.

The term “wood-wide web” was coined to describe the mycorrhizal networks connecting trees and other organisms in a forest. In their books, both Simard and Wholleben claim that not only do trees exchange nutrients through these mutualistic relationships, but also send each other warnings, care for each other, and cooperate through networks. Experts in the scientific community, however, are refuting these claims, stating that there is not enough evidence of the sentience to affirm these social relationships.

“We recognize the value in conducting scientific research and empowering the community to take part in these discussions,” said Anna Foster, Director of Programming for The Ridges. “Our goal in selecting this topic is simply to explore the scientific understanding of trees with curiosity and an open mind.”

The book club is free and will be offered both in person and online through Zoom, every three weeks, beginning January 10th. Dates are:

• Virtual: Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, January 9, January 30, February 20
• In Person: Thursdays from 6-8 pm, January 11, February 1, February 22

Due to limited space, participants are asked to register in advance. To register, go to ridgessanctuary.org/ridges-reads/ or call 920-839-2802.

About The Ridges Sanctuary: The Ridges Sanctuary is a 1,600-acre private, nonprofit nature preserve located in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. It is listed as a National Natural Landmark, Important Bird Area and Wisconsin State Natural Area. Founded in 1937, the Ridges was protected as Wisconsin’s first land trust to protect and preserve the sensitive habitat found in Baileys Harbor. Today, the Ridges continues to serve Baileys Harbor through its mission of Education, Research and Land Preservation.