Barbara Streisand actually composed the tune "Evergreen," which she sang in the 1976 version of "A Star Is Born." The lyrics, written by Paul Williams, describe a love that will last forever. "Evergreen." It didn't work out so well in the films.
Most folks refer to conifer trees as evergreens and a surprising number of people assume that the needles stay green forever. But no. Like in the love depicted in the films, evergreen foliage does fade and die.
Admittedly evergreen trees always appear to be green because every year at the tips of each branch, new twigs form and new needles are added.
Understand that these new needles are very efficient and they're able to support the growth of the tree through photosynthesis. Last year's needles are a bit less efficient but still functional.
But the shaded inner needles on pines, spruce and fir, and the flat scaly sprays on arbor vitae, which have been on the tree for three to five years, eventually wear out. They really aren't contributing much to the growth of the tree and may even be consuming more resources than they produce.
When evergreen foliage no longer contributes to a tree — when it is costing it more than is worth — a tree discards the aging needles. This time of year, these worn out needles turn brown and drop to the forest floor.
But they aren’t worthless. The brown "evergreen" foliage forms a blanket on the which is extremely helpful in protecting the tree from the elements. Discarded foliage protects roots from cold in the winter and provides a mulch to retain moisture and prevent erosion in the summer. And nutrients from the needles eventually are released through decomposition so whole forest community is sustained.
You know... sometimes a vehicle as it ages becomes less and less efficient. And often, an aging vehicle requires frequent maintenance until the point at which it is it is costing more to keep it running than it is worth.
Just as a tree discards it needles, the owner needs to discard a vehicle. But a discarded vehicle still has value. It will have significant value if it is donated to IPR. You still can donate a car or truck or even a boat to Interlochen Public Radio, confident that it will continue to provide value to you and sustain very special asset to the local community while connecting Interlochen to the world.
