Did you know? Birds aren’t the only ones that migrate to survive. Species that we tend to think of as much more rooted in their environment also migrate, but in a completely different way. Trees, those seemingly immobile beings, are nevertheless on the move.
Faced with current challenges such as global warming, all species must adapt, and trees are no exception. They have two options: to adapt to the climate by staying where they are, or to migrate to more suitable regions.
But how can a tree migrate?
When we talk about tree migration, this does not mean that they uproot themselves to replant elsewhere. Their migration relies on the dispersal of their seeds. Seedlings that take root in regions with a climate better suited to the future will ensure their relocation.
In practical terms, trees disperse their seeds via the wind or animals, such as birds. These seeds then germinate in areas where the climate is more favourable.
However, trees migrate very slowly: around 100 km in 500 years, whereas global warming is shifting climate zones by between 1 and 7 km a year.
Genetic plasticity: the hidden strength of trees
Fortunately, trees possess a high degree of genetic plasticity. Thanks to genetic mixing, some young trees are better able to withstand environmental stresses. It is the best-adapted ones that survive.
Today, forests are facing environmental changes at an unprecedented rate. Their ability to adapt will be crucial to maintaining ecological balance and preserving biodiversity for the future.
How about learning whilst having fun!
Here are two ready-to-use activities to help you learn more about trees:
1. ‘My Friend the Tree’ game (from Cycle 1 onwards)
Goal: To develop the senses, observation skills and awareness of the natural environment.
Equipment: Eye masks
Outline of the activity:
- Form pairs: one person will be the guide, the other will wear the blindfold.
- The person leading gently spins their partner round to disorient them slightly.
- The guide then leads the person with the bandage to a tree.
- Once in front of the tree, the blindfolded person explores the tree using their senses: they can touch it, smell it and listen to the sounds around them.
- Le guide ramène ensuite son partenaire au point de départ, puis lui retire le bandeau.
- Using the sensations memorized during the exploration, the person must find the tree they discovered.
2. Growing bean seeds (from Cycle 1 onwards)
Objective: Discover the stages of germination and observe the growth of a plant.
Materials: Untreated dried beans, 1 jar, a glass plate or bowl, cotton wool, water.
Outline of the activity:
- Start by rehydrating the beans to “wake them up.” Place them in a jar filled with water and let them soak for 12 hours.
- Then drain the beans.
- Moisten a piece of cotton wool without making it too wet.
- Place the cotton wool at the bottom of a plate or glass container, then place the beans on top.
- Check every day that the cotton wool remains moist to allow germination.
- Observe the changes daily: the first roots usually appear after 2 to 3 days.
- Encourage children to observe each stage of germination and to ask questions about the seed’s development.
- When the sprout reaches about 3 to 4 cm, it can be replanted in a pot so that it continues to grow.
These two activities allow children to discover nature differently, by taking the time to observe, feel, and better understand it. They foster curiosity, awaken the senses, and strengthen their connection with the living world.