The Tree Lady…

Growing up, I was never particularly outdoorsy or truly appreciated nature the way my kids do. Especially, Savannah. She’s never been big into baby dolls, barbie dolls, or princesses. Except for this tree doll I made her a couple of weeks ago, she doesn’t really have any dolls. There might be a couple lying around here, but she never gives them a second look. She has River Otter, her pride and joy, but no dolls to speak of. She would much rather be in the garden collecting snails and leaves. I just love that about her.

The other day, I was ordering books for our upcoming school year and I stumbled onto The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever. I knew it would be perfect for Savannah. The book tells about the life and true story of pioneer, Kate Sessions from the 1860’s til her death in 1940. It begins with her early years and a fascination with the woods in her hometown in Northern California. Later in life, she became the first woman to graduate with a degree in science from the University of California. Upon her graduation, she accepted a teaching position in San Diego. But, once she arrived, she quickly saw that it was barren and almost void of any trees. Through her passion and love of trees, she paved the way to transform San Diego into the lush garden and park filled city that it is today.

Savannah, my very own tree lady, is smitten with Kate Sessions and what she accomplished. She’s also tickled they share the name, Kate. It’s a wonderful, inspiring book for little nature lovers!