Historic trees often grow - and die - unrecognized

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published September 09, 2009

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Last week, I answered my phone to recognize the slow-speaking voice of Ray Gleason, a former forest ecology student of mine at The Evergreen State College. Gleason was seeking ways to save a member of our community, one whose history is intertwined with our region in ways that few other living entities can claim: the George Washington Bush butternut tree, which grows near the Olympia Airport.

I asked Gleason why he was so intent on saving this tree. His reply was as a true arborist — it is a great tree!

It is the largest of its species in the region, with a diameter of over 20 feet. In terms of history, it was planted by a remarkable pioneer, George Washington Bush, born the son of a free black man and an Irish immigrant mother. Bush fought in the War of 1812, and then started a farm in Missouri. But the politics of race drove him to join the great westward migration in 1846. Here, he built a sawmill and farm, planted trees, founded the town of Tumwater. He was widely loved for his kindness and generosity.

Although this tree was honored by regional dignitaries on Arbor Day 2009, its long-term fate is now under question. The land on which it grows is up for sale, and zoned industrial; the tree’s fate will be up to the new owner.

Gleason dreams of becoming that new owner so that he can be its caretaker. He can’t quite swing the loan for the full amount, and so is seeking help.

I was struck with the fervor of Gleason and many others who wish to protect this regional treasure. Because trees have an intermediate life-span — longer than our own, but within the realm of our longevity — humans of many cultures look to trees to establish a sense of place and history.

In the Bible, many places are identified by their trees: “These mountains are across the Jordan toward the setting sun near the great trees of Moreh.” (Deuteronomy 11:30).

City names are often tree-based: the capital of Idaho is Boise, derived from bois, the French word for forest. Other towns include Yellow Pine, Cottonwood and Fruitland.

Surveyors of pioneer times inscribed the year in the bark and cambium of so-called “witness trees,” the mark lasting across decades and landowners.

Although communities commemorate their historical homes with special plaques, and auto clubs have special contests for antique cars, historic trees often grow — and die — unrecognized and unprotected.

What I heard in Gleason’s voice was the tug that many of us feel – to protect something that is bigger than the individual, but within the accomplishable. As individuals, we cannot solve the big problems that surround us – global climate change, world poverty. But each of us can improve something slightly bigger than our personal sphere: planting flowers that our neighbors enjoy; reading to an aging relative; giving a few hours to Olympia’s Food Bank.

Protection of the historic butternut tree is another such action. Although I don’t yet know the solution to Gleason’s request, I hope we can find a way to care for that butternut tree — and our other valued historic arboreal neighbors. In their graceful, silent ways, they provide a continuing sense of place to our community.

Dr. Nalini M. Nadkarni studies trees and forest canopies as a member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College and president of the International Canopy Network. She can be contacted at nadkarnn@evergreen.edu. Contact Ray Gleason at cascadetreeexperts@hotmail.com or call 360-701-8872.