Embarking on a journey of life among trees and forests, this story unfolds around the
lives of seven tree species. Sky Lan is one of the few scientists who studying forest
canopies. Through her encounters with Taiwan cypress, Taiwan spruce, Sitka spruce,
Douglas-fir, Noble fir, giant sequoia, and Taiwania, we glimpse into the hidden worlds
of trees that have stood for centuries and, for some, millennia.
This twenty-year canopy research journal traces Lan’s path from climbing Taiwan
cypresses to observing seasonal changes in Taiwan spruces and later expanding her
work to other spruces such as Sitka spruce. She investigates the tree health of Douglasfir,
the wood decay of Noble fir forests, and the wildfire and climate change revealed
in the charred bark of Giant sequoias. Ultimately, she recognizes the importance of
science communication and participates in tree-top photography projects featuring
the “Three Sisters” Taiwania and other giant trees.
Lan’s canopy journey deepens our understanding of tree ecosystems and reveals that
the beauty of forests—often idealized by humans—reflects profound truths beyond
human scale.