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

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
  • 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

Комментарии • 240

  • @davidsaugey4004
    @davidsaugey4004 4 года назад +39

    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.

  • @kristianzlee
    @kristianzlee 4 года назад +2

    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
      @georgiarouse 4 года назад

      thanks for sending to me Kristian, loved it!

    • @kristianzlee
      @kristianzlee 4 года назад

      @@georgiarouse so welcome..

    • @georgiarouse
      @georgiarouse 4 года назад

      @@kristianzlee 😁

  • @raulascaso
    @raulascaso 3 года назад +5

    I've taken so much for granted.

  • @ashgadah
    @ashgadah 3 года назад +4

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

    • @peytonkreese
      @peytonkreese 3 года назад

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

  • @budwebb
    @budwebb 3 года назад +1

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

  • @petermitchell3475
    @petermitchell3475 3 года назад +15

    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.

  • @sherrieglewis
    @sherrieglewis 4 года назад +2

    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!

  • @wadecampster
    @wadecampster 3 года назад +4

    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
      @bettarease 3 года назад

      He is a true gentleman!

    • @abbyfcruz
      @abbyfcruz 3 года назад

      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.

  • @woodychuck
    @woodychuck 2 года назад

    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!

  • @1edty
    @1edty Год назад

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

  • @teresaklaiber8616
    @teresaklaiber8616 5 лет назад +20

    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
      @lynnecousins 4 года назад

      in this talk he seems so genuine and caring

    • @hughshotton8920
      @hughshotton8920 3 года назад

      He seems like a really humble and beautiful human

  • @real_name_hidden577
    @real_name_hidden577 2 года назад

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

  • @gaiasardoni
    @gaiasardoni 2 года назад

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

  • @gakthegreat
    @gakthegreat 2 года назад

    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.

  • @aktwyford
    @aktwyford 5 лет назад +27

    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
      @jhonusalazar 3 года назад

      it would have been rad to see this one in person

    • @stewynotthedog
      @stewynotthedog 3 года назад

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

    • @sammypdennison
      @sammypdennison 3 года назад

      He has passion and obviously a good heart!

    • @sultanvagram
      @sultanvagram 3 года назад

      2 years later and he is even more correct!

    • @chanels2411
      @chanels2411 3 года назад

      he seems like such a good person!

  • @luisasanchez5532
    @luisasanchez5532 Год назад

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

  • @georger1952
    @georger1952 Месяц назад

    Outstanding story teller.

  • @charlievantas
    @charlievantas 4 года назад +1

    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.

  • @theoallan7474
    @theoallan7474 2 года назад

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

  • @jacksonradern
    @jacksonradern 2 года назад

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

  • @bilbobiggens2104
    @bilbobiggens2104 2 года назад

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

  • @robyncrosby666
    @robyncrosby666 2 года назад

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

  • @sandralewandowski
    @sandralewandowski Год назад

    Well done Rex!

  • @poopietaker
    @poopietaker 2 года назад

    He is a Hero!

  • @grantrylan
    @grantrylan 2 года назад

    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?

  • @shannonnikita
    @shannonnikita 2 года назад

    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.

  • @johnpederson3085
    @johnpederson3085 2 года назад

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

  • @shirleytross
    @shirleytross 2 года назад

    ‘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.

  • @gerdefrederick
    @gerdefrederick 2 года назад

    A very good man!

  • @robertjnoble
    @robertjnoble 2 года назад

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

  • @asanseil5553
    @asanseil5553 3 года назад +4

    Rex is awesome.

  • @jettseverson
    @jettseverson Год назад

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

  • @berdinaguest
    @berdinaguest Год назад

    wonderful work you're doing here Rex, awareness is such a factor here

  • @bettarease
    @bettarease 3 года назад +3

    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.

  • @northcosca
    @northcosca Год назад

    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.

  • @miatharlow
    @miatharlow 3 года назад +1

    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
      @cappikarlson 3 года назад

      lets hope the new administration will take this seriuosly.

  • @theheadzombie
    @theheadzombie 2 года назад

    Excellent talk, both alarming and inspiring.

  • @yafaxestre
    @yafaxestre 2 года назад

    The list just keeps growing.

  • @taylorpjansen
    @taylorpjansen 2 года назад

    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!!!

  • @shannonpscofield
    @shannonpscofield 3 года назад +2

    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
      @coreykansasbell 3 года назад

      It should be such an important topic!!

    • @phyllismknapp6038
      @phyllismknapp6038 3 года назад

      Agreed! It doesn't make sense to me.

    • @aylamorris
      @aylamorris 3 года назад

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

  • @nikolaihlazarev
    @nikolaihlazarev 2 года назад

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

  • @jamiedunn7216
    @jamiedunn7216 5 лет назад +7

    Such a critical message for younger generations to hear

  • @mygiftisme
    @mygiftisme 2 года назад +1

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

  • @ianvantreight1615
    @ianvantreight1615 Год назад

    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 😂

  • @gastonedupriese
    @gastonedupriese Год назад

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

  • @1thekarmacollector
    @1thekarmacollector 2 года назад +1

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

  • @danahasler9018
    @danahasler9018 Год назад

    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

  • @natalemodesto
    @natalemodesto 2 года назад

    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.

  • @nae3185
    @nae3185 2 года назад

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

  • @iamthefootyfan
    @iamthefootyfan 2 года назад

    Sharing to a few groups. This is a really beautiful talk and one I feel that would strike a chord with many.

  • @josiemartaine4743
    @josiemartaine4743 3 года назад

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

  • @icekunggamer
    @icekunggamer 3 года назад +3

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

  • @thisistheperfectstate
    @thisistheperfectstate 2 года назад

    😻😻 thank you Rex!!

  • @bethdanskin
    @bethdanskin 4 года назад +1

    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.

  • @bridgettemsanders
    @bridgettemsanders 4 года назад

    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.

  • @the-cookie_monster
    @the-cookie_monster 2 года назад

    This is a beautiful talk Rex, sharing it right now

  • @rosecaspern
    @rosecaspern 2 года назад

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

  • @TheCatFan21
    @TheCatFan21 5 лет назад +6

    Thank you for your talks, Rex. Here's to many more years and many more ears that receive your message.

  • @jasesyter
    @jasesyter 2 года назад

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

  • @edingutenberg9797
    @edingutenberg9797 2 года назад

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

  • @novasux5681
    @novasux5681 2 года назад

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

  • @asikahoinka
    @asikahoinka 4 года назад +1

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

  • @ImSushmitha
    @ImSushmitha 2 года назад

    Share worth and than some. Thank you Rex

  • @l_u_vlesson
    @l_u_vlesson 2 года назад

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

  • @gracehamilton4275
    @gracehamilton4275 Год назад

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

  • @ErikSharpe
    @ErikSharpe Год назад +1

    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.

  • @lucy-diamonds
    @lucy-diamonds 2 года назад

    Good man good purpose!

  • @katemartens
    @katemartens 2 года назад

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

  • @iamthereallovedoctor
    @iamthereallovedoctor 2 года назад

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

  • @bradcouper
    @bradcouper 3 года назад +2

    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.

  • @shimmikang
    @shimmikang 2 года назад

    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.

  • @hughshotton8920
    @hughshotton8920 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @tinatuvalle
    @tinatuvalle 3 года назад +2

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

  • @ulisseditaque
    @ulisseditaque 4 года назад +1

    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

  • @arianaasherton
    @arianaasherton 2 года назад +1

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

  • @verymarysalisbury
    @verymarysalisbury 2 года назад

    I could listen to this man all day, such a beautiful voice and vivid story-teller.

  • @Iamshawnawashington
    @Iamshawnawashington 2 года назад

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

  • @cherinmarmon-saxe7731
    @cherinmarmon-saxe7731 5 лет назад +3

    Thank you for all that you do Rex. Impassioned and personal and a wonderful, hopeful story.

  • @umadelecois
    @umadelecois 2 года назад

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

  • @Sarahnotthesong
    @Sarahnotthesong 2 года назад

    What a beautiful soul. I definitely teared up hearing him.

  • @emmashubert
    @emmashubert 3 года назад +2

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

  • @lilygrander
    @lilygrander 2 года назад

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

  • @andrealfifi
    @andrealfifi 3 года назад +2

    Rex, I salute you. This would be a hard job, and incredibly frustrating.

  • @georgecox2933
    @georgecox2933 2 года назад

    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.

  • @kalestanslink
    @kalestanslink 4 года назад +4

    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
      @henrahsavage4653 3 года назад

      agree!

    • @TheCatFan21
      @TheCatFan21 2 года назад

      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.

  • @arthurjanzen
    @arthurjanzen 2 года назад

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

  • @baileebrushell
    @baileebrushell 2 года назад

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

  • @russhearn
    @russhearn 2 года назад

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

  • @vardajesty
    @vardajesty Год назад

    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!!

  • @bonniehavel
    @bonniehavel Год назад

    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.

  • @bobbywie
    @bobbywie 2 года назад

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

  • @ivyharringten
    @ivyharringten Год назад

    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!

  • @qaysdeshante
    @qaysdeshante 2 года назад

    Thanks for serving us Rex!

  • @gabor-kantor
    @gabor-kantor 2 года назад

    this makes me want to learn more about how to get involved in environmentalism. beautifully said!

  • @bettygould3679
    @bettygould3679 2 года назад

    Definitely a noble cause that this man is fighting for. I hope he goes to schools and helps kids understand... He is very inspirational.

  • @brunodstone
    @brunodstone 2 года назад

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

  • @garydusing3123
    @garydusing3123 2 года назад

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

  • @glennhamilton3rd
    @glennhamilton3rd 2 года назад

    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.

  • @hichemkahela
    @hichemkahela 2 года назад

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

  • @ErinKalshaw
    @ErinKalshaw 2 года назад

    It's reassuring to know that technology can help us solve some of these issues, although I suppose we should also be careful not to get complacent.