I like a lot of these ideas, but was especially struck with #55 "Learn the names of 10 trees." I have lived in Japan for over 25 years and enjoy city walks and

I like a lot of these ideas, but was especially struck with #55 "Learn the names of 10 trees." I have lived in Japan for over 25 years and enjoy city walks and hiking, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I made any any effort to learn more than really basic categorical names for easily identifiable tree types (e.g., being able to identify gingko, Japanese maple, cedar, red and black pine). But a few seasons back during a warm spell in late spring, I was looking at a tree with pink blossoms and wasn't sure whether it was a late-blooming plum or some mysteriously early sakura (cherry blossom). After a quick search, I learned that the difference is easy to spot – cherry blossom flowers have notched petals; plum blossoms do not. That inspired me to try to learn names and identifying characteristics of other trees and flowers and even "weeds" that I pass every day while walking to work or strolling around on the weekends. Admittedly, it is only a small improvement in my quality of life, but it's easy and very satisfying to be able to put names to plants I would otherwise pass without noticing.