The simple Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku could be the key to leading a happier and healthier life
Business Insider
Dr. Qing Li, Contributor
Apr. 24, 2018, 12:54 PM

Japanese forest bathing is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Japaneseforest-bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a practice that involves spending time in nature, among trees. Studies revealed that Japanese forest-bathing has a positive impact on both physical and mental health, as discussed in the below excerpt from Dr. Qing Li's recent book on the subject. There are a number of ways to integrate Japanese forest-bathing into any lifestyle, from visiting the local park to filling your home with
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Growing up on an organic farm on the North San Juan Ridge, Zeno Acton was fascinated by all things botany. While toiling away in the soil and lying under the expanse of oaks and other trees, he would dream of one day becoming … an engineer.
"Most of the people in my family are plant people," Acton said. "I can't say that right away I knew that was the path I wanted to go. I was thinking I wanted to be an engineer. I just started taking horticulture classes at Sierra College, and then I transferred to UC Davis, and got a degree in horticulture."
This turned out to be a most fateful decision. While enrolled in a business communications class he met the woman who would eventually be his wife and business partner, Erin.
"I've always dreamed of owning my own business," Erin said. "Then I met (Zeno) and he had all this tree knowledge, and I was like, 'Well why can't we do that?'"
"I think I just wanted to be in charge of my own destiny. I want to help people," said Zeno.
Ten years later, the two have formed a successful business in Acton Arboriculture. With Erin keeping track of the books and occasionally lending a physical hand, the company provides tree care services including pruning trees, removing trees, planting trees, restoration forestry, vegetation management and consulting services.

"I do disease diagnosis, risk assessment, appraisal," Zeno said. "I help people understand the trees around their house, and the risk involved.

"Most of what I really like to do is educate the customer about their trees: the risks involved, the health issues, and then helping them make decisions regarding their trees. It's up to them what they want to do, but I love being that person who helps them make decisions."
The couple is quick to point out success is also reliant on a skilled crew, of which there are seven members.
"We couldn't do what we do without our awesome crew," Erin said. "Without them we couldn't provide the quality service and the good detailed clean-up and all the things that we do. They're just as passionate as (Zeno) about working outside and working with trees and learning new things."
Keeping up with the times is important to the company, too.
"We put a lot of time and energy into continued education, not just for me but for the crew too," Zeno said.
Running a business can be time consuming, but the Acton's have plenty of extracurricular activities they enjoy when they are not on the job. Erin is an avid soccer player and Zeno likes to disc golf. Together they go on hikes and go mountain biking, while making time to spend with their families.
All the while, Zeno has his eyes on the plants and trees around him. "I like to sit in my garden and watch plants grow. I like to botanize a little bit," he said.
"I love plants but it turns out that I also love interacting with people. Just being of service to my community but also having a skill that somebody is willing to pay to have you (do) is kind of a really special thing."

Source: The Union.com

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the tree tour on Saturday and all who helped organize the event as well; Pamela Biery, the Nevada City Chamber, Mary Cahill and John Glaz. 

The weather was beautiful and it was an educational day.  The perfect way to celebrate CA Arbor Day!

Read about the grant the tour received and see more pictures here.

WHAT: Arbor Day Tree Tour Walk
WHERE: Meet in front of Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, 132 Main, Nevada City
WHEN: Saturday, March 11. Meet at 10:30am, tour from 11-Noon
COST: $10 requested donation, no one turned away. Children free.

Join Zeno this Saturday...

Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Hosts Arbor Day Walk, Tree Tour Map Talk
NEVADA CITY, Calif. —February 16, 2016, The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Arbor Day Walk with Arborist Zeno Acton of Acton Arboriculture on Saturday, March 11 from 11am to noon. Meet at the plaza in front of the Chamber office in Nevada City at 10:30 am.

The Chamber's popular Tree Tour Map is being updated and this is a great opportunity to walk a part of the tour and learn more about Nevada City's heritage trees while honoring Arbor Day. The original Tree Tour map was completed in 2008 and provides a walking guide to the Trees of Nevada City. The Tree Tour map is currently being updated. New technology allows tree tour materials to be converted for smartphones. Once completed, the new map will let visitors walk the tour with their smartphone, navigating easily while reading about trees.

Take a Saturday morning to honor Arbor Day and explore Nevada City's heritage trees with Arborist Zeno Acton.

"The trees that have been planted and preserved in Nevada City are a wonderful asset. The self guided tree tour educates and inspires. I am excited to help preserve this community resource and make it more accessible."—Zeno Acton, Acton Arboriculture.

Go to https://www.gofundme.com/NCC-tree-tour to learn more and contribute today.