I learned about the Adopt-A-Tree program at a previous tree tour. My father is buried in a family plot in a beautiful setting at Oak Ridge Cemetery, with a large, majestic oak tree nearby. I contacted my friend Guy Sternberg to learn more about this tree and discovered that it was deemed significant for being a typical mature white oak specimen with good form between 100 and 150 years old and was eligible for adoption.
There are many white oaks on the list of trees available for adoption because white oaks were apparently the predominant species present when the cemetery was founded, and white oak is the official Illinois State Tree. The official tree inventory notes that this white oak (Quercus alba) was selected to represent an outstanding spontaneous mature specimen 100-150 years of age that probably sprouted shortly after the time Oak Ridge was dedicated. It is one of the most common tree species at Oak Ridge and is represented by several ancient landmark trees dating to 1844 or earlier, several younger trees from special sources that were planted starting in 1994, and this one that is typical of an outstanding mature tree.
The Adopt-A-Tree program is a wonderful way to remember or honor a friend or family member. It is also a simple way for anyone who loves trees to help maintain the natural splendor of Oak Ridge Cemetery. – Karen Witter
Related Stories
This article appears in Not enough vets for pets.
