While there's been some opposition from environmental groups about the use of centuries old trees to rebuild Notre Dame, the forestry people here say it's a testament to the richness of natural resources in this country.
Wearing his mild Episcopalian hat, he mentioned a thousand points of light, a kinder, gentler America, and a new breeze blowing away the leaves of an old tree.
And they found that worldwide, older trees are dying at a higher rate than in the past due to factors like rising air temperature, wildfires, drought and pathogens.
And also of importance is that when we migrate seedlings from warmer climates, survival is increased by 20 to 30 percent when they're protected by these old trees.