Introducing the CanopyBloomington Book Club!

While it would be easy to start off this introduction to Canopy's new book club with some cheeky wordplay like; come "leaf through literature" with us as we “branch out" in our new book club "rooted in trees” ... we couldn't do that to you. But, we are going to have fun!

CanopyBloomington is excited to announce the launch of our new book club dedicated to exploring the world of trees through literature. Whether you're a lifelong tree lover, an amateur naturalist, or simply curious about the profound ways trees shape our ecosystems and lives, this club offers a welcoming space to read, reflect, share, and connect. Every other month, we’ll dive into books that illuminate the hidden lives of trees—from their biology and ecology to their environmental, cultural, and symbolic significance.

We’re kicking things off with famed entomologist Douglas Tallamy’s acclaimed The Nature of Oaks, a deep and accessible look into the remarkable role oak trees play in supporting biodiversity.

Tallamy invites readers to see the oak tree not just as a towering symbol of strength, but as a vibrant, year-round hub of life and ecological richness. Following a month-by-month structure, he explores the intricate relationships between oaks and the countless species they support, offering fascinating insights into the often-overlooked complexity of native ecosystems. His passion and scientific clarity make the book both accessible and deeply thought-provoking, perfect for sparking conversation in a book club setting.

The book doesn’t just offer a compelling case for environmental stewardship; it empowers readers with practical ways to take action, like planting native species and rethinking traditional landscaping in our own backyards. After reading The Nature of Oaks, you might start seeing your local trees—and your role in supporting nature—in an entirely new light.

Join us for our first meeting on Tuesday, November 11, at 6pm at Redbud Books (408 W. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington), where we’ll discuss Tallamy’s insights and share our own observations and questions.

Register online or at www.canopybloomington.org/book-club.

There have been so many wonderful and inspirational books written about trees and nature--our list is quite long. The next books planned for the CanopyBloomington Book Club are listed below, but we also want to hear from you and know what you have been reading! Perhaps that will be a future book club title!

The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer—an exploration of the concept of reciprocity and ecological connection through the lens of Indigenous wisdom, using the humble serviceberry as a metaphor for a gift-based economy. With lyrical insight rooted in mutual care, Kimmerer invites readers to reimagine how we live, give, and grow in harmony with the natural world.

The Overstory by Richard Powers—a sweeping, multi-generational novel that weaves together the lives of disparate characters united by their deep connection to trees. Through lyrical prose and profound ecological insight, the book explores humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the quiet, powerful intelligence of forests.

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman—a groundbreaking collection of poetry that celebrates the human spirit, nature, and the American experience with bold, free verse and radical individuality. Through its sensual language and philosophical depth, the work redefined poetry in the 19th century and remains a timeless ode to democracy and self-expression.

The Arbornaut by Meg Lowman—a captivating memoir that chronicles Lowman's pioneering journey as a tree canopy scientist, exploring the hidden world high above the forest floor. Blending adventure, science, and environmental advocacy, the book reveals the wonders of the treetops and the urgent need to protect them.

If you love trees and want to do your part in creating wildlife habitat and biodiversity, you will not regret reading The Nature of Oaks. And to further engage with Tallamy's work and the subject biodiversity in your own backyard, we hope you can join our conversation with Canopy. See you at Redbud Books in November!

Okay, cheeky send-off ... Come grow with us—leaf by leaf, book by book!

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Redbud Books

Redbud Books is a 100% volunteer run collective of local book lovers who believe in the world-making magic of the written word. As a community-led non-profit, they are also a hub for exchanging ideas and building connections: they host themed reading groups, a speaker series, and international film screenings. They recognize that thought itself can be a radical proposition and that books enable other worlds to bloom by inspiring us to think and act otherwise. The bookstore is a project of the Center for Sustainable Living (CSL).

CanopyBloomington

CanopyBloomington is a social impact organization created to maximize Bloomington's tree canopy and sustainably manage Bloomington's urban forest for trees' many environmental, health, economic, and social benefits, with a focus on tree equity and community engagement. The staff, board and volunteers work year-round to plant and care for trees, improve air and water quality, and make neighborhoods healthier and more beautiful. But we can’t do it alone.

Join us in creating a thriving urban canopy that works for both people and our trees. Visit CanopyBloomington.org to learn more and make a donation today.