Kale Tree Supports Sierra Club’s Campaign to Protect California’s Forests

Yucca, Pine trees, Cyprus trees, and grasses. Angeles National Forest, California.

California's forests are abundant with natural wonders to explore. According to the US Department of Agriculture, forest land makes up one-third of California's total land area. California's forests host millions of residents and visitors enjoying our state's natural beauty while participating in endless recreational and educational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. 

Red-shouldered Hawk (Bueto lineatus) located in Three Rivers, Southern Sierra Nevada, California.

While spending time outdoors is a valuable experience that enriches our quality of life, California's lush forests also provide vital services to a healthy ecosystem, including plant and wildlife biodiversity, flood and erosion control, and climate regulation. In addition, a healthy forest contributes to healthy air quality and reduces the impacts of climate change by absorbing Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere.

Three Rivers, Southern Sierra Nevada, California.

California's forests are also a source of reliable, clean drinking water for our state's communities. By supplying and regulating water through meadows and watersheds year-round, our forests provide 65 percent of the state's clean water. Consequently, in drought-prone California, our water supply is dependent on our forest's health and function. 

The sunset sky in Three Rivers, Southern Sierra Nevada, California.

As our climate continues to change and wildfires become a more common occurrence in California, there are several challenges that we must face in maintaining the health of our state's forests. A significant threat to the health of California's forests is an extreme logging method known as "clearcutting." Clearcutting involves cutting down natural forests and pouring herbicides on the site to make room for human-made tree plantations. These tree plantations do not replicate the ecosystems of a healthy forest and therefore pose a danger to California's biodiversity, air purity, water supply, and climate regulation. 

Wolf Lichens (Genus Letharia) located in the Sequoia National Forest, California.

The protection of California's forests is essential to our livelihoods. Unfortunately, more than 50,000 acres of Californian forest are cut down every year due to clearcutting. Sierra Club's "Stop Clearcutting CA" campaign is raising awareness of the dangers of clearcutting and its adverse impacts on California's ecological wellbeing.

Chaparral Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei) located in Southern Sierra Nevada, California.

As a naturalist and advocate for environmentally compassionate design, Kale Tree Founder Sarah Barnard LEED AP, and WELL AP, is inspired to support Sierra Club's "Stop Clearcutting CA" mission to protect California's environment. To raise awareness of the urgent need to protect our forests, Barnard will utilize her skills as an artist to contribute photography of flora, fauna, and funga found in California's forests. She will continue to document forests, bodies of water, and wildlife for Sierra Club's campaign throughout the year.

Sparse Pine and Cyprus trees in Angeles National Forest, California.

If you wish to help preserve California's natural forests and support the "Stop Clearcutting CA" campaign, you are invited to sign Sierra Club's petition to Governor Newsom to end clearcutting in California's forests. Visit Sierra Club's website and resource page for more ways you can help protect California's forests and join the group on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Dried Pine leaves (needles) located in Three Rivers, Southern Sierra Nevada, California.

Bibliography

Balloffet, N; Deal, R; Hines, Sarah; Larry, B; Smith, N. 2012. Ecosystem Services and Climate Change. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Climate Change Resource Center. www.fs.usda.gov/ccrc/topics/ecosystem-services

“Focus on Forestlands in California.” USDA Climate Hubs. www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/california/topic/focus-forestlands-california.

“Nature's Benefits.” Angeles National Forest - about the Forest. www.fs.usda.gov/detail/angeles/about-forest/?cid=fseprd604146.

“Stop Clearcutting CA.” Sierra Club. https://www.sierraclub.org/grassroots-network/stop-clearcutting-ca.

Trail signage at the Red Box Picnic Area in the Angeles National Forest, site of the 2020 Bobcat Fire.

Crazy Plant Ladies: Radical Naturalists and Environmental Preservation

As a team comprised of plant collectors and nature lovers, many in the Kale Tree studio are no stranger to the phrase "crazy plant lady." Crazy plant lady has been re-contextualized among plant enthusiasts to describe some of the most influential and admirable environmentalists, naturalists, and plant lovers. Many adopt the term as a point of pride. In the design field, "crazy plant ladies" have paved the way for advances in sustainability with far-reaching effects, including an influence on biophilic and eco-friendly interior design practices. To celebrate a few of these historic figures, we hope to share some information and appreciation for a few notable women.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger

Diana Beresford-Kroger is a medical biochemist, botanist, and author, who uses her range of knowledge to educate and promote environmental preservation. Beresford-Kroeger has advocated for and educated around the medicinal benefits of trees and plant life, sharing information on the benefits and effects of various vegetation for health. To fight climate change, she developed a "bioplan" with tree planting at its foundation, aiming for everyone on earth to plant six native trees over six years in their communities.

Her home arboretum boasts a vast collection of various hardy and rare tree specimens. She is known for freely gifting seeds and saplings to help spread and replant these trees, many of which were used for a range of benefits by indigenous communities before being demolished through colonization.

Some of the more unique theories from her work have foundations in the Celtic belief system she was raised with, and many of the medicinal benefits of plants she has studied are rooted in Celtic traditions, which may also contribute to her profound respect and appreciation for trees. One of her more intriguing beliefs, while disputed, is that the healing benefits of trees are released through their aerosols, offering curative properties when inhaled. Beresford-Kroger often touts the healing benefits of time spent in forests, which she in part attributes to these aerosols. While some desire more support for these claims, many of the benefits of time among trees are widely documented. Her all-encompassing perspective, and impressive scientific research, have made her a widely celebrated figure, offering an expansive view of the power of nature.

Lorrie Otto

Lorrie Otto was an environmentalist, speaker, and author. She advocated against the use of pesticides after being alarmed by dead birds near her Milwaukee home, which paved the way for the nationwide ban on DDTA. 

Otto was a proponent of natural landscaping and biodiversity, speaking against the water waste of lawns and encouraging people to transform their yard spaces that conserve wildlife and their natural habitats.

Her messaging inspired the organization "Wild Ones," a group that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping. Nine people founded the group after they attended one of Otto's lectures. As a result, natural landscaping has seen a progressive increase in popularity, making its way to the rule and not the exception in many personal garden spaces. The widespread normalcy and embrace of natural landscaping and its far-reaching positive effects on the environment may often be attributed to Otto's advocacy efforts. 

Beatrix Farrand

Beatrix Farrand was a founding member of the American Society of Landscape architects and the only woman in the original group. In addition to being the first female landscape architect in America, her renowned landscapes appeared in private residences, the White House, and a range of parks, botanic gardens, and campuses.

She advocated for the importance of nature to improve personal well-fare and spoke about the value of public garden spaces. Her work was known for considering the relationship between natural and built spaces, using landscaping techniques to improve aesthetics in architecture. In addition, she was known for her engineering ability, creating intricately designed gardens and often focused on native plantings. Farrand's visionary approach and widely celebrated landscapes helped pave the way for many women in the field.

While countless women have contributed to environmental preservation through their love of nature, these are a few who greatly inspire our studio. Their innovative approach to preserving, celebrating, and sharing nature encourages out-of-the-box thinking and emphasizes the importance of education. A common understanding between these and most "crazy plant ladies" is that we are participating members of our natural environments. Nature is something to be shared, cherished, and preserved. We hope to carry these themes in our studio and share our passion for nature throughout our designs.

Kale Tree + Healthy Home Decor

Butterfly Dreams Bed by Kale Tree.

Inspired by nature, fueled by community, and made with love. At Kale Tree, we aim to uplift the global community through nature-inspired home design. The source of our namesake is a beautiful, dark green shrub with kale-like curly leaves, known as Polyscias guilfoylei. This kale-like tree is resilient and hardy despite its delicate appearance. Like many of us, it takes time to grow but needs little coddling to succeed. The beauty, versatility, and self-sufficiency of this leafy evergreen aptly represents Kale Tree and our mission to promote health and well-being by strengthening our connection to nature, inside and out.

Megalograpga moth. Photo by Sarah Barnard.

Moth Textile by Kale Tree.

Based in Southern California, we believe that our home should reflect what calms and inspires us. We find endless inspiration from the surrounding mountains, beaches, and desert landscapes. Whether it's the California native Matilija Poppy or a coastal Mangrove Tree, we extend our love of nature through thoughtful biophilic home design.

Matilija Poppy. Photo by Sarah Barnard.

Kale Tree is comprised of nature-loving creatives who value community and personal wellness with a shared commitment to conscious, sustainable home design. Founded by WELL- and LEED-accredited interior designer and naturalist Sarah Barnard, Kale Tree aspires to improve accessibility to ethically produced, eco-friendly home decor while making the conscious effort to promote wellness through socially and environmentally responsible home design.

Matilija Poppy Textile - Natural by Kale Tree.

We believe that individual wellness is directly connected to nature. Biophilic home decor has the potential to evoke similar mood-boosting effects to spending time outdoors. Our studio understands the importance of uplifting the well-being of each other and places equal value on lasting environmental health. Working from a cosmopolitical standpoint, we aim to uplift our community through closeness to nature by designing our products with conscious intent, considering the environment at every stage of our production process.

Mallow Textile in Dusty Dawn by Kale Tree.

Natural and Organic Fibers

Natural fibers provide a unique tactile experience and biodegrade more naturally over time. Kale Tree offers products made from natural and organic materials, including textiles made from Belgian Linen, New Zealand Wool rugs, and furniture made from sustainable hardwoods.

Mangrove Rug by Kale Tree.

Vegan Choices

As naturalists and animal lovers, we understand the importance of choosing products that align with your values. All of our area rugs are available in Bamboo Silk, a vegan fiber with a soft sheen derived from bamboo plants. Our textiles and wallpapers are made from cruelty-free plant-derived materials.

Mallow Wallcovering in Midnight Forest by Kale Tree.

FSC certified Hardwoods

Our furniture is handcrafted in Los Angeles from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) hardwoods. FSC certification ensures that the hardwoods we use are sourced in an environmentally responsible manner to help support sustainable forest management.

Matilija Poppy Wallpaper - Putty by Kale Tree.

Greenguard Gold Certified

We believe that a healthy home is a happy home. Kale Tree's PVC-free, low-VOC wallcoverings help maintain healthy indoor air quality and are Greenguard Gold Certified.

California native Lupine and Salvia. Photo by Sarah Barnard.

Kale tree works closely with a team of like-minded artists, designers, and artisans from diverse backgrounds to create healthful, ethically produced goods inspired by the intersection of art, design, and nature. All goods are made with love and designed with the intent to bring beauty, health, and joy to you and your home.

Matilija Poppies: A Fried Egg(less) Dream

There is really nothing on flower earth quite like the Matilija Poppy. While, yes, there are other wonderful poppies that are full of ruffle-y delight—- this one is no typical clump of California poppies. When well established, this glory of blooms and buds can grow to 8 feet tall with endless flowers, each nearly 5 inches across!

I’ve always admired this plant on walks around Los Angeles neighborhoods, seeing it wild and free taking over suburban gardens. I’ve planted it in my garden primarily on sunny slopes and found that perhaps because of Southern California’s incredible summer heat, it does surprisingly well in areas partly shaded by trees.

I purchased my 4-inch and 1-gallon starter plants from La Crescenta Nursery in the Oakmont neighborhood of Glendale, Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley and Hahamonga Native Plant nursery in Pasadena, CA.

The Matilija Poppy or Romneya coulteri is known for stabilizing slopes because of its creeping root stalks or rhizomes. It’s also known for being challenging to remove so consider your planting location carefully.

Initially, I incorrectly assumed that Matilija was a Spanish word, resulting in a long-time mispronunciation!

In fact, Matilija comes from the word "Mat'ilha", a Chumash village once located in what is now referred to as Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Currently in development is the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center “being built to celebrate Chumash heritage, share the tribe’s history, and educate visitors about the rich culture of the first people of the area. The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will also advance the legacy of the Chumash environmental stewardship and keep ancient sustainability traditions alive by seeking to become one of the first LEED-certified tribal museums in the United States.”

I enjoy photographing the giant white flowers and golden pom-pom centers almost as much as I enjoy growing them.

They shape shift through the season, their distinctive silver grey leaves remaining long after the flowers have gone.

Our team has been developing a special collection of textiles, wallpapers and area rugs inspired by the beauty of the Matilija Poppy. Soon to be released in five colorways; natural, midnight, petal, putty and bluestone.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah's work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).