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Historic Wormsloe Live Oak lined drive in Savannah, Georgia

Caption: Historic Wormsloe Live Oak Canopy, Savannah, Georgia

The Wisdom of Elders

Step into the enchanting world where the branches of knowledge intertwine with the roots of nature. What began as an interactive paper flipbook and a tactile sensory tray for a Halloween activity with the Savannah Tree Foundation has blossomed into a digital sanctuary celebrating our community's awe-inspiring beauty of trees. This illustrated odyssey is a labor of love, curated with passion and a touch of magic. Designed to captivate both young minds and the young at heart, our journey among the trees unfolds as a narrative, inviting you to explore the intricacies of each leaf, the storied rings of power, and the hidden sanctuaries within. I have woven the Creek and Cherokee names for these arboreal wonders alongside their Latin counterparts in the spirit of honoring wisdom. This project stands as a homage to the rich knowledge of the Indigenous peoples, a tapestry of understanding that adds depth and resonance to each tree's story. The illustrations are curated from open-source materials available through the Library of Congress, breathe life into this arboreal tapestry, and are woven around photographs of trees in my community. I invite you to embark on a journey that transcends ages. The content, crafted in a narrative format, beckons adults into the enchanting world to share with children between the ages of 5-18, fostering a connection with the natural world that extends from kindergarten to twelfth grade. This site is developed specifically for the completion of the final requirements in CSCI E-12, Fundamentals of Website Development, Fall Term 2023, with Professor David Heitmeyer at Harvard University Extension School. Special thanks to Professor David Heitmeyer and the Fall Term TA/TF instructional team, Michael Hilborn, Brandon Bentley, and Kenyon King, for their guidance and support throughout the term. As we explore the wisdom of trees, may this digital haven be a testament to the harmonious dance between technology and nature, where the whispers from the canopy echo timeless tales and foster a love for the world outside our windows. Begin your journey, and let the trees unfold their tales in this virtual arboreal sanctuary.

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Acknowledgment

Before we begin our exploration of trees and their uses, let us take a moment to acknowledge the rich knowledge and wisdom of Native Americans and First Nations peoples, particularly the Creek and Cherokee Nations, and those who came before in the Coastal Georgia and Low Country area. They have long understood and revered the gifts of nature. We are grateful for their stewardship of the land and their generosity in sharing their deep understanding of the plants, animals, and natural cycles that sustain life. As we learn about the trees that have provided food, shelter, and spiritual significance for countless generations, let us do so with humility and respect and strive to honor and protect these sacred gifts for all who come after us.

Beach image of Ossabaw Island Sound, off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, with driftwood, sea palms, sea pine, and ghost trees in the background.

Caption: Image of Ossabaw Island Sound, off the coast of Savannah, Georgia


Site design, written, developed and coded by Jody Elizabeth Trumbull
all rights reserved, copyright logo 2023

CSCI E-12, Fundamentals of Website Development, Fall Term 2023, with Professor David Heitmeyer
Harvard University Extension School.