In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the powerful metaphor of Mother Trees—the towering elders of old-growth forests who support, protect, and nourish their surrounding ecosystem through vast underground networks. Drawing from the latest research in forest ecology, Jessica reveals how these trees serve as a model for resilience, community care, and environmental sustainability.

Listeners will learn how Mother Trees communicate through the Wood Wide Web—a mycorrhizal network of fungi that connects trees and enables them to share nutrients, wisdom, and warnings. Through this lens, the episode uncovers deep insights into how humans can draw strength from quiet, unseen acts of care, interconnectedness, and mutual support. Jessica also discusses the urgent need to protect old-growth forests, which are critical to biodiversity, climate regulation, and ecosystem resilience.

Whether you're navigating personal challenges or looking to deepen your environmental awareness, this episode offers inspiring nature-based lessons on resilience, legacy, and the power of nurturing others.

Keywords

Mother Trees, Resilience, Ecosystems, Interconnectedness, Nature Connection, Forest Ecology, Old-Growth Forests, Environmental Awareness, Sustainability, Wood Wide Web, Mycorrhizal Networks, Community Resilience, Climate Change, Legacy, Mutual Support, Forest Conservation, Emotional Strength, Nature Metaphors

Takeaways

• Mother Trees serve as central caregivers within forest ecosystems, supporting younger trees through underground networks.
• The Wood Wide Web is a real and vital system of communication between trees via mycorrhizal fungi.
• Resilience often takes quiet, sustained forms—like offering support even when no one is watching.
• Self-care enables us to be pillars of support for others.
• Ecosystems thrive on interdependence—and so do we.
• Old-growth forests play a crucial role in climate stability, carbon storage, and biodiversity.
• We are not separate from nature; we are part of its intricate web.
• Small, intentional actions can ripple outward, creating positive ecological and emotional impacts.
• Legacy is built through acts of quiet care and purposeful connection.
• Nature teaches us that community and resilience are deeply intertwined.

Resources

Explore More: Books, Videos, and Resources

Want to go deeper into the wisdom of Mother Trees and the resilient networks of the forest? Here are some powerful books, videos, and organizations to inspire, inform, and activate.

Books to Root Into

• Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard
• The memoir and scientific breakthrough that introduced the world to Mother Trees. A must-read for anyone curious about the Wood Wide Web.
• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
• A poetic and evidence-rich exploration of tree communication, companionship, and support.
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• A beautifully braided collection of Indigenous wisdom, plant science, and reflections on reciprocity and connection.
• To Speak for the Trees by Diana Beresford-Kroeger
• Bridging Celtic wisdom and scientific insight, this book is a call to rewild our world—and our imaginations.

Watch and Wonder

• Suzanne Simard’s TED Talk – How Trees Talk to Each Other
• Watch on TED.com
• A captivating overview of the underground forest network and the revolutionary research behind it.
• Intelligent Trees (Documentary)
• Watch on Vimeo
• Featuring Simard and Wohlleben, this film brings the secret life of trees vividly to life.
• PBS Nature – The Soul of the Forest
• Explore on PBS
• A stunning look into the interdependence of forest life.

Organizations and Projects Worth Supporting

• Mother Tree Project – University of British Columbia
• mothertreeproject.org
• Ongoing research from Dr. Suzanne Simard’s team exploring the legacy and impact of Mother Trees in forest resilience.
• Old-Growth Forest Network
• oldgrowthforest.net
• Working to identify and protect remaining old-growth forests across the U.S.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• fsc.org
• Promoting responsible forest management and certification standards.
• Canopy Planet
• canopyplanet.org
• Creative, systems-based solutions for protecting ancient forests.
• TreeSisters – Women Seeding Change
• treesisters.org
• A global movement reforesting the tropics while growing a culture of restoration and feminine leadership.

Nature-Inspired Practices From the Episode

Here are the three resilience-building activities mentioned in the episode, with full descriptions so you can try them yourself—or share with someone who might need them:

Root and Reach

• Take a blank page and draw a line down the center. On one side, write what you want to build up in yourself this week. Maybe it’s energy, calm, creativity, confidence—whatever helps you feel strong and grounded. That’s your root.
• On the other side, write where you want to offer care—someone or something that could use your presence, your attention, or your encouragement. That’s your reach.
• Then look for a small action that connects the two.
• Maybe your root is “calm” and your reach is a colleague who’s been really overwhelmed. Your action could be starting your day with a quiet walk, so you show up steady before checking in with them.
• Maybe your root is “creativity” and your reach is a child or friend you haven’t connected with in a while. You might send them a voice memo with a silly drawing idea, or a memory that made you smile.
• This tool helps you give care that’s thoughtful and sustainable—just like a mother tree: staying rooted, and reaching with intention.

Circle of Care Mapping

• Draw three circles, like ripples in a pond. In the center, put yourself. In the next circle, add the people, animals, causes, or communities you’re closely connected to. And in the outer ring, include those you care about from a distance—maybe your local park, a neighbor you don’t know well, or a group of people or species you want to support.
• Then take a moment to notice: where is care most needed right now?
• And where could a small action from you create a ripple?
• Maybe you text someone in your inner circle who always gives but rarely receives. Maybe you pick up trash in that park you love but rarely tend to. Maybe you speak up for a cause you’ve quietly supported from afar.
• This practice helps widen your awareness—and when we widen our awareness, we become more resilient not just for ourselves, but for our communities.

Legacy Seeds

• Simply ask yourself: what do I want to strengthen or protect for the future?
• Maybe it’s kindness. Maybe it’s confidence. Maybe it’s clean air or trust in your team or creativity in your family.
• Then plant a seed.
• It could be starting a new habit, like composting or reading together before bed. It could be reaching out to someone younger and offering mentorship. It could even be writing a note to someone who mothered you in some way—and letting them know their care mattered.
• This practice helps you build resilience by shifting from urgency to legacy—from reaction to intention. It reminds us that even the smallest act can take root in someone else’s life.

Sound Bites

"They share resources, adjust to changes."

"Resilience doesn’t rise alone."

"This is legacy in motion."

"What stories might this tree be holding?"

"We’re not separate from nature."

"Like trees, we grow stronger together."

Connect With Us

Listen Now: https://pod.link/J4yd77

Share your thoughts with host Jessica Morgenthal: jessica@winwinwinmindset.com

Explore More: Visit Resilience Gone Wild for show notes, photos, and resources:

https://winwinwinmindset.com/the-resilience-gone-wild-podcast/

Produced by Balancing Life’s Issues (BLI Studios) in partnership with a WinWinWin Mindset.