An American Tragedy, How a Mass Extinction Can Help Save Our Forest | Rex Mann

An American Tragedy, How a Mass Extinction Can Help Save Our Forest | Rex Mann | TEDxYoungstown

Рет қаралды 265,950

5 жыл бұрын

Our forests are dying, Rex Mann, retired US Forest Ranger, has dedicated his life in supporting efforts to bring back the American Chestnut tree from extinction. Rex Mann received a BS Degree in Forestry from NC State University in 1967. He served 42 years with the US Forest Service as a Land Manager and Fire Fighter at eight different duty stations, retiring in 2007. With a lifetime interest in American chestnut, he began a chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation in Kentucky in 2001 and served on the National Board of TACF for 14 years. Living in Mt. Sterling, KY, with his wife, Anita, Rex has committed his remaining years to restoring American chestnut to the eastern forests. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 239

@davidsaugey4004 4 жыл бұрын

Rex Mann was my first supervisor as an employee of the U.S. Forest Service. He has always been this dedicated to your forests. I am proud to call him friend and very proud of his work in this effort.

@bethdanskin 3 жыл бұрын

he seems like a great man..

@andrealfifi 3 жыл бұрын

He is an incredible man

@rustythecat 2 жыл бұрын

he looks like he'd be a good boss!

@sandralewandowski Жыл бұрын

cool boss

@eva-singer Жыл бұрын

that's really cool

@shirleytross 2 жыл бұрын

‘We see lots of green and we think all is well with the world’. How many people even know what those trees are that he talks about? We are removed from nature, we fall for smoke and mirrors that make us think we are comfortable and safe, while our foundations crumble. This message is urgent.

@ashgadah 3 жыл бұрын

42 years of working with trees. Thank you Rexx Man. The grey old trunks of the Chestnuts have you to tell their story.

@peytonkreese 3 жыл бұрын

Ash, thank you for sending this to me, it means a lot.

@grantrylan 2 жыл бұрын

The lack of respect the majority have for the land that gives us so much life is heartbreaking. How do we reignite this passion and care?

@gracehamilton4275 Жыл бұрын

This wonderful man’s love of trees and manner of speech moves me deeply. What a beautiful speaker bringing me renewed hope.

@umadelecois 2 жыл бұрын

It's beautiful to think about an entire culture or way of life springing up around just one type of tree.

@wadecampster 3 жыл бұрын

I can only imagine the frustration this man would have to deal with on a regular basis, from congress, to advocacy groups - there is not enough funding and it seems that so many donations don't make it to the conservation parks or to awareness programs. I am in awe of his passion and I will be sharing this in hopes that more people realise.

@bettarease 3 жыл бұрын

He is a true gentleman!

@abbyfcruz 3 жыл бұрын

I'm frustrated too! Doesn't matter how many people sign a petition, doesn't matter how many of us come together to make road blocks, there's no stopping our greedy government.

@sherrieglewis 3 жыл бұрын

I had no idea! My gosh... You would think governments would be putting more funding into not only awareness but preservation... I am in absolute shock. I'll be sharing this!

@robyncrosby666 2 жыл бұрын

"The foundation of a culture, a way of life." The things that happen and what we lose when we do nothing.

@1edty Жыл бұрын

It's really wonderful to hear that the chestnuts are starting to come back!

@northcosca Жыл бұрын

There is something so humbling about standing underneath a tree that just towers over you, knowing it's been there for centuries and will (hopefully) still be there long after you're gone.

@woodychuck 2 жыл бұрын

This is so important... I think when deforestation is discussed we often envision people just cutting trees down, but there are so many other threats we need to be aware of!

@shannonnikita 2 жыл бұрын

How quickly the world has changed and how fast we were to drop our connection with the earth in exchange for possessions. This is a powerful message.

@gakthegreat 2 жыл бұрын

When I think about the future of our natural world I'm constantly torn between pessimism and hopefulness... thank you for making me feel a little hopeful that not all is lost.

@kristianzlee 3 жыл бұрын

The beauty of nature gets forgotten, and the respect for the very resources that have built our life, our life style and our humanity. What an ear and opening conversation this talk is. Thank you.

@georgiarouse 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for sending to me Kristian, loved it!

@kristianzlee 3 жыл бұрын

@@georgiarouse so welcome..

@georgiarouse 3 жыл бұрын

@@kristianzlee 😁

@josiemartaine4743 2 жыл бұрын

So much respect and understanding has been lost in the last 50 years about how fragile our eco-system is.

@qaysdeshante 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for serving us Rex!

@teresaklaiber8616 4 жыл бұрын

My husband and I had the honor to meet Rex yesterday. An amazing loving person. And we are so interested because of him educating us.

@lynnecousins 3 жыл бұрын

in this talk he seems so genuine and caring

@hughshotton8920 3 жыл бұрын

He seems like a really humble and beautiful human

@jacksonradern 2 жыл бұрын

There's something really poetic about the same wood being used 'from cradles to coffins...'

@petermitchell3475 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rex, bringing back the American Chestnut is an act of passion, you are a man of honour, who knows value, demonstrates admiration and respect for what the forest really gives us. us.

@ashgadah 3 жыл бұрын

good comment Peter!

@jovitasardens207 3 жыл бұрын

All trees are precious!

@williambessel 2 жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful thought

@bettarease 3 жыл бұрын

I was reading recently that due to deforestation and introducing non-native species in the last 20 years,12.5% of plant species have become rare if not close to extinct. That is frightening. We really haven't much time. I feel terrible that we haven't done enough yet.

@luisasanchez5532 Жыл бұрын

It made me really happy to hear that there's still some hope for the chestnuts!

@andersonaimes 2 жыл бұрын

The future of our forests. This is a beautiful story cautioning the end.

@danahasler9018 Жыл бұрын

So hard not to think that people just dgaf about any part of the environment, watching talks like this gives me a bit of hope

@charlievantas 3 жыл бұрын

it really says something about your character that when you were sick with Cancer, you were able to relate it back to what's going on in our forests... you are a very wise man. I do hope human's as a species begin to see the importance of the land that gives us life.

@bridgettemsanders 3 жыл бұрын

Good post on FB Charlie thanks for this

@henryichu Жыл бұрын

Lovely story, the memories of family and the loss of legends given to us by Mother Nature.

@lilygrander Жыл бұрын

The programs facilitating the growth of these beautiful trees must have been inspired by amazing Rex's hard work

@asikahoinka 3 жыл бұрын

Plants are the essence of life, our need to breath is found in the trees of the forests.

@shannonpscofield 3 жыл бұрын

We really weren't taught enough in school about conservation and just how important it is. Clearly some parts of the world are doing better than others but what I want to know is why, when situations like dear Rex is talking about here arise, why is more government funding not allocated? It's not political, it's our planet. Thank you Rex for your hard work.

@coreykansasbell 3 жыл бұрын

It should be such an important topic!!

@phyllismknapp6038 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! It doesn't make sense to me.

@aylamorris 3 жыл бұрын

So very true, it should be so much more significant in the curriculum.

@raulascaso 3 жыл бұрын

I've taken so much for granted.

@rebeccadcarl 3 жыл бұрын

we all have Raul!

@mehdidouinine 3 жыл бұрын

we have, no question.

@mikewobblyweaver 3 жыл бұрын

we all have and do.

@mygiftisme 2 жыл бұрын

What a gentle, patient spirit this Mann has. Definitely a fitting patron for a forest.

@novasux5681 2 жыл бұрын

I feel so much sadness for people that have experienced the loss of an entire way of life.

@ianvantreight1615 Жыл бұрын

Wow what an opening. I mean this guy can really paint a word picture, and his voice is so soothing! I feel like he literally embodies all the qualities of a giant chestnut tree 😂

@shimmikang Жыл бұрын

I can't imagine how painful it would be to see an environment that you lover and care for fall into to decay so rapidly.

@real_name_hidden577 Жыл бұрын

I very much appreciate the words of this 'old dinosaur forester', as he puts it. excellent talk!

@xavierdistaple8620 2 жыл бұрын

4 years old ted and more important today than it was then!

@nae3185 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sitting here in tears over those 4 billion trees.

@budwebb 2 жыл бұрын

Liked, saved, and sharing. Mind blowing that this is happening.

@poopietaker 2 жыл бұрын

He is a Hero!

@aktwyford 5 жыл бұрын

I attended this TEDx event, and this was one of the two most moving and inspirational for me that whole day. Thank you, Rex.

@jhonusalazar 3 жыл бұрын

it would have been rad to see this one in person

@stewynotthedog 3 жыл бұрын

perhaps we can put some former presidents in a forest and maybe they will never find their way out?

@sammypdennison 3 жыл бұрын

He has passion and obviously a good heart!

@sultanvagram 2 жыл бұрын

2 years later and he is even more correct!

@chanels2411 2 жыл бұрын

he seems like such a good person!

@edingutenberg9797 2 жыл бұрын

I don't know why but what he said around the 9 minute mark actually made me teary.

@iamthereallovedoctor 2 жыл бұрын

I could listen to this dude all day, seriously he should do audiobooks or whatever that app is that helps you go to sleep.

@miatharlow 3 жыл бұрын

Environmental disasters you never hear about and then thank god you do. Waking up our world in a 2020 priority in my mind. It took a pandemic to uncover denial.

@cappikarlson 3 жыл бұрын

lets hope the new administration will take this seriuosly.

@robertjnoble 2 жыл бұрын

Man I went through such a range of emotions listening to this talk.

@natalemodesto 2 жыл бұрын

I can’t even begin to know where to start, I want to carry on his work. We need to share this and get the word out there.

@gaiasardoni Жыл бұрын

he has such a captivating way of speaking. would love to hear more from rex!

@timoguedon Жыл бұрын

Rex this talk gives me hope that this issue can be overcome, thank you for speaking so beautifully about a topic that is indeed a tragedy.

@theoallan7474 2 жыл бұрын

man what a tear jerker of a story....

@1thekarmacollector 2 жыл бұрын

Well that was absolutely heart wrenching and now I must go write some emails to some legislators. ..

@janetsplace1953 2 жыл бұрын

I will too!

@vardajesty Жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh when he talks about 'spreading the seeds of this movement with our social media technology' 😭😭 what an absolute treasure you are Scott!!

@l_u_vlesson Жыл бұрын

Rex thanks for reminding me that we're all connected, made from stardust in an interconnected web of life.

@taylorpjansen Жыл бұрын

I saw Thomas Sailelli do a thing recently that there is a program to help the chestnut?! I've got to go watch that now.... Such good work Rex!!!

@icekunggamer 3 жыл бұрын

I love his passion and care for trees, only the loss of trees brought tears to his father's eyes.

@nanburkhardt 2 жыл бұрын

Yes so do I!

@jamiedunn7216 5 жыл бұрын

Such a critical message for younger generations to hear

@bobbywie 2 жыл бұрын

"We are not separate from nature." Absolutely, but so many people think otherwise.

@garydusing3123 2 жыл бұрын

We need to respect people like Rex and ensure their voices are heard. We are so close to losing everything

@bridgettemsanders 3 жыл бұрын

What becomes of the forests of beauty, the trees that die and the ghosts that stay. Have a listen about what we are losing, our resilience and dependance in the eco system of life.

@bonniehavel Жыл бұрын

I'm really glad someone is out here spreading this kind of knowledge. I think people just don't realise how much we depend on the environment and what an asset our forests truly are.

@bradcouper 3 жыл бұрын

As a I listen, I feel more and more sad about how we as humans are not playing our part as custodians of this place.

@kanyakonsrimanopanithan 3 жыл бұрын

It is true, we have a responsibility

@georgecox2933 2 жыл бұрын

I really like this mindset though... like yes it is definitely a tragedy but using the awareness that's been gained from it to help protect ecosystems from future harm is exactly the kind of thinking we should have.

@bethdanskin 3 жыл бұрын

I remember Chestnuts, we would take 2 of them and insert a string through them and make conkers. They are such a beautiful tree, I didnt realize this was happening.

@brodyalexandra Жыл бұрын

Okay how do we get Rex into doing those help you fall asleep story narrations? What an amazing voice.

@johnpederson3085 2 жыл бұрын

I loved his opening story, really painted a beautiful picture, even if it was a little sad.

@offbeatbirdy3307 Жыл бұрын

I think it's a pretty natural part of globalization, figuring out what parts of our ecosystems can go together and which ones are too volatile to be exposed. Hopefully figuring out a way to overcome all of that happens in time.

@russhearn 2 жыл бұрын

that moment, his dad, the tear.... that's something that gets passed on no matter what..

@brunodstone Жыл бұрын

I love that it was his Dad talking about this stuff that inspired him to become a forester.

@yafaxestre 2 жыл бұрын

The list just keeps growing.

@rosecaspern Жыл бұрын

A lot to think about here. Protecting the environment is critical!

@ivyharringten Жыл бұрын

This was done 4 years ago and I can only imagine that the situation has become less of significance to those who can ensure laws and the like are put in place so that we can manage our ecosystem better!

@jasesyter 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, he has watched this very earth change in front of his eyes.

@nikolaihlazarev 2 жыл бұрын

This got me, this is real and we arent doing enough about it!

@jettseverson Жыл бұрын

Thank you Rex! I don't know how you keep at it but we are grateful.

@tinatuvalle 3 жыл бұрын

American Chestnut trees are dead. I never ever knew this and its a very sad story.

@baileebrushell 2 жыл бұрын

A reminder that so many of us keep our heads in the sand instead of educating ourselves and being aware. Sharing. Thank you Rex.

@bilbobiggens2104 2 жыл бұрын

Doing everything in my power to ensure we educate and do better. Sharing Rex. Thank you.

@sandralewandowski Жыл бұрын

Well done Rex!

@katemartens 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I had the understanding of nature that this man does

@asanseil5553 3 жыл бұрын

Rex is awesome.

@Iamshawnawashington Жыл бұрын

Where 's there's a will, there's a way and with Rex's strong will there's a way to fix this.

@nadyazt 2 жыл бұрын

Oh Rex, thank you for all this hard work you do, I can imagine it would feel like so much was falling on deaf ears but there are many of us here, listening and then taking action. We need people like Rex to help show us the way.

@whereproofisproven 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed 100%

@eriksharpe6929 Жыл бұрын

Your dad would be so proud of you, seeing you share your passion and insight with all of us! I hope one day I can gaze on one of these beautiful, proud trees and smile, knowing that for once in this rotten world something had changed for the better.

@gastonedupriese Жыл бұрын

This is a great talk Rex, it's very apparent how much you care for this topic

@arianaasherton 2 жыл бұрын

Seeing that tear in his father's eye... Wow. What a beautiful gift and love this family has to do this hard work

@arthurjanzen 2 жыл бұрын

I just can't stomach what we are doing and how little care there seems to be.

@hichemkahela 2 жыл бұрын

I am feeling a pit of sadness for Rex and all of us now. We have so much work to do.

@glennhamilton3rd 2 жыл бұрын

His story brought a tear to my eye, what a presence this man has to bring his father’s emotion to me across a screen.

@Iambuckandrews 3 жыл бұрын

the death of the chestnut trees, a lost foundation gone, a story to listen and learn.

@blanchebosdet 3 жыл бұрын

yes

@emmashubert 3 жыл бұрын

I teared up watching this. I really hope we wake up to ourselves soon

@ryleefinn8894 Жыл бұрын

Oh Rex this is so lovely, your voice and demeanour are so calm and hopeful ❤❤

@kalestanslink 3 жыл бұрын

I was really hoping he was going to go on to say that mass extinction of human's would save our forest - because it would. I had no idea we were losing so many trees. Grateful to people like this who are actually doing something. Thank you Rex.

@henrahsavage4653 2 жыл бұрын

agree!

@TheCatFan21 2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, with the invasive species we've introduced, our forest ecosystems would collapse without the stewards that manage them and the researchers working to protect the trees and landscapes. It's up to us to right our wrongs.

@urdadiam 2 жыл бұрын

Our response to many man made extinctions is just awful. Thank you Rex for the hard and I imagine often thankless work you are doing. I will be sharing.

@ulisseditaque 3 жыл бұрын

You are an Earth Angel Rex. So many of our native trees. It is so sad. I and many others, appreciate this work you do so much. I will be sharing this where I can. I do hope that more people begin to realize the importance of such things. Thank you

@hughshotton8920 3 жыл бұрын

What a lovely story recalling memories of his father's love for trees. Incredible connection and amazing passion to continue this fight to save our forests.