March 2, 2021
Contact:
John Scott
Urban Foresters
Parks and Recreation
479.444.3470
urbanforestry@fayetteville-ar.gov
Amazing Trees at the Historic Walker-Stone House
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.—The City of Fayetteville’s Urban Forestry Staff, Urban Forestry Advisory Board, and Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion staff will celebrate the designation of the Cedar Trees in front of the Walker-Stone House as the City’s third and fourth Amazing Trees of Fayetteville. Mayor Lioneld Jordan will speak at a ceremony to unveil an information plaque placed near the trees. The ceremony will be held on March 15, 2021, at 2 p.m., with standard COVID-19 protocols in place.
The Amazing Tree program recognizes significant trees in Fayetteville and highlights the importance of trees in the urban environment. The City’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board and the Urban Foresters choose trees that exemplify unique character by being large, uniquely shaped or a rare species. The two Eastern red cedar trees (Juniperus virginiana) on Center Street in front of the Walker-Stone house are extraordinarily large and are also located in front of a historic home. These two trees are approximately 35-40 feet tall. The tree to the west has a circumference of 98” (8’ 2”) and the tree to the east has a circumference of 84” (7’)..
These two cedars were planted around 1890, making them 130 years old. Some cedar trees can live up to 900 years, but typically live to around 200 years in forest conditions. These two trees are considered “witness” trees, a term used for trees that have been present during key historical events. These two trees witnessed: the Spanish Flu pandemic; Arkansas becoming the twelfth state to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote; integration of schools; the establishment of the Buffalo National River; establishment of the Trail of Tears Heritage Trails; and the current COVID-19 pandemic.
There will be limited attendance for the event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks and social distancing will be required for attendees.
For information about previously designated Amazing Trees of Fayetteville, visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/amazingtrees. QUESTIONS? Please call the Parks and Recreation Office at 479.444.3471.
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