For centuries, the Commons exercised an integrating role in the community life of human settlements, providing a place where people could congregate for a wide variety of activities, an arena in which the most diverse people could enjoy each other's presence. The Commons became the hub of activities at the Conference, a trusted and protected place, a model of a Healthy Cities space that enabled participants to continue to share their inspired visions and work. The movement of citizen participation in creating the urban forest has grown in recent years. Some residents participate because they have wanted a tree for a long time, some participate as a means to beautify the neighborhood, and others participate in hopes of increasing the neighborhood's sense of community. Many volunteers are motivated to participate because tree planting is a regular therapeutic release from their indoor work environments and some volunteers are motivated by a sense of civic responsibility.
Most participants report social interaction as a benefit of tree plantings.
During tree planting events, neighbors of ten years have conversations for the first time, and long-time residents talk about the history of the neighborhood as younger residents listen. Community tree planting is a means of healing both social and physical environments. We can hope that this represents a long-term direction toward the garden rather than being just a fad. Joel Flagler and Raymond P. Pincelot, PhD, Editors. Food Products Press.