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What would you like to see in a tree video game?

Hi Casey and Alex! Katie here, been listening to the pod for ages. I’m a software engineer, and the other night over dinner i was talking to my fiancé about how i’ve always wanted to work on a video game for fun in my free time, and he was very supportive of the idea. i said the only thing id want to make a video game about would be trees! in this hypothetical world where i somehow have extra free time what would you like to see in my tree video game? my only idea rn is like stardew valley vibes but you’re an arborist and tree lover and you have to protect the special trees of where you live from a predatory logging company. and maybe you’re also kinda magical and can speak to the trees. i think it would fun and cutie, and maybe there’s some kinda cone collection portion of the game! idk! i’m just thinking of ideas rn, what ideas do you guys have as tree experts and video game lovers! much love from florida 🫶🏼

Reading list

What would be on the syllabus if y’all taught an intro course on trees? What books and articles do you recommend for someone who wanted to take Completely Arbortrary 101?

Are there trees without roots?

Could a tree survive without them, even for a little while? I don’t want to make assumptions! (But I would like to use a metaphor— rootless tree— with a sense of accuracy).

Cones across America

Hi Casey and Alex! I am growing my cone-lection. I currently have some New England cones and some cool Hawaiian cones from my cousin! My parents are going on a cross country road trip starting next week and I am wondering if there are some specific cool cones for them to look out for. They’re starting in NH and following along the edges of the US. Thanks! I’d like to have a cone from all 50 states at some point.

Old growth forest interview

Hey Guys, love the Pod! I heard about the new series "Seedpod" and have a suggestion for a potential interviewee. If you don't know Joan Maloof, she is the Founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network {https://www.oldgrowthforest.net} and author of several books related to trees. She's passionate about old growth trees, and advocating for them, and a Professor Emerita of Salisbury University. I hope you're interested, and at least check her out. {https://www.joanmaloof.com} Susan