Maggie Rose McGurk: Want to be happy? Find a tree

It's been proven that just looking at trees can make us feel happier, less stressed and more creative. That's partly because they release chemicals called phytoncides. When the sun is beaming down, you can find the shade of a tree to get in a cooler place and protect you from the hot sun rays. We need trees to make many different wood produces. Also, you can pick fruit directly from trees, such as apples, pears and peaches, plus pecans, walnuts and almonds. Medicines, such as the cancer drug taxol and aspirin, have been extracted from the bark of specific species. Trees give off oxygen we need to breathe. Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection and homes for many birds and mammals. A tree is a tall plant that can live for a very long time. It has a single stem or trunk and branches that support leaves. Beneath the ground, a tree has a root system that acts as an anchor and stores the water and nutrients the plant needs to grow. John Muir said, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."