Trees are critical to stopping climate change because during photosynthesis they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. But not all trees absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide.
Oak is the genus with the most carbon-absorbing species and, lucky for us, Chandler Pond is surrounded by oak trees. The common Horse-Chestnut tree is also a good carbon absorber as is the Black Walnut tree.
The longest-living trees with the most mass (hardwood trees) are considered to be the best at locking away carbon dioxide. Tree species that grow quickly and live long are ideal “carbon sinks”— a carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.
