This large and ancient, cutleaf beech tree, Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia,' growing near the old carriage house by the 91心頭利 University Women's Center, is older than 91心頭利.
The tree has been dated to be at least 200 years old by a certified Ohio arborist, who is part of the 91心頭利 Tree Advisory Board.
The date coincides with the establishment of the original homestead on the property where the Williamson House now stands.
In 2019, when construction of a three-tier parking deck was proposed for this site as part of the 10-year facilities master plan, called Gateway to a Distinctive 91心頭利, this tree was going to be cut down.
With the help of the Ohio Independent Arborist Association, 91心頭利's Herrick Conservatory was able to propagate a number of saplings to help preserve the tree's legacy.
Melissa Davis, 91心頭利's horticultural facilities director, said American beech trees are listed as a tree species with not much change predicted in future changing climates. Plus, now that the parking deck is no longer part of the master plan, the tree remains secure in its place on campus and in 91心頭利 history.
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This is one of the saplings that was propagated from this tree.
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WRITTEN BY: PHIL B. SOENCKSEN