Witness Trees in Fort Ward Park

From: "glenn eugster"
To: "Pamela Cressey" , "Francine Bromberg" , "Tom and Jeanne fulton-oleary" , "Dave Cavanaugh" , "Adrienne Washington"
Cc: "fterrell56" , "Lena Rainey"
Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2009 2:58:19 PM
Subject: Witness Trees in Fort Ward Park


Dear Pam, Fran, Tom, Dave, and Adrienne,



Over time we have talked about some of the very large old trees that are within Fort Ward Park. The largest of the trees, both within the "yard" as well as other portions of the park would seem to be old enough to have been around after the Civil War but before the creation of the park. These trees, which may be significant for biological reasons, may also have been witness to the events and lifestyle of the people that lived and worshiped in the park. The trees in fact are important historic features and can be used to help interpret what life may have been like for area residents.



Attached is information on a National Park Service's Witness Tree effort. Darwina Neal is a Landscape Architect who works at the National Capital Regional Office of NPS in the District of Columbia. She may also have information that can elaborate on this effort.



http://commonground.cr.nps.gov/02_newsCloseup.cfm?past_issue=Winter/Spring%202007

One excerpt of the NPS information includes:



One of the largest trees in Washington–joining a 105-foot-tall White Oak on Northampton Street and a 96-foot tulip poplar in Georgetown–is a massive 200-year-old white oak measuring 100 feet high and almost 150 inches around its trunk. While size and age would likely have won it a place in the program, it is in what was once the yard of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

When Douglass lived at Cedar Hill, from 1877 to 1896, the tree was already an imposing presence, so much so that he included descriptions in his diaries. While it may seem ancient, the oak could well be in its prime. When it was examined last summer, it was healthy and disease free. A member of a slow-growing and long-lived species, this specimen could be around for another two centuries.



As we think of the cultural resources of Fort Ward perhaps we can be open to historic natural resources in a way that strenghtens our cultural resource protection and interpretation efforts.



Thanks.



Glenn



Glenn Eugster

703-845-8947