1000 trees for Texas - Clippings - Brief Article

American Forests, Spring, 2003 by Mary Woodsen

The "Lone Star State" may be getting a boost in the form of 1,000 favorite Sons over the next few years. AMERICAN FORESTS is working to plant 1,000 offspring of the historic Treaty Oak in communities throughout Texas. These historic live oak trees will help ensure the continued legacy of Texas' most beloved tree and, equally as importantly, will help address Texas' urban tree deficit.

Working with the Texas Forest Service and the city of Austin, AMERICAN FORESTS has collected acorns from the Treaty Oak, grown direct-descendant trees, and is offering these historic trees to citizens, communities, and corporations for planting.

Austin's Treaty Oak has been a living symbol of history for more than five centuries. According to legend, this live oak stood as part of the "Council Oaks," two trees that witnessed a treaty between Indians and Anglo settlers. The man representing the settlers was reputed to be none other than the "Father of Texas," Stephen F. Austin. The Treaty Oak has survived searing summers, gusting winds, and the pressures of urban development and mankind. Its counterpart was destroyed by a flood in the early 1900s.

The historic tree came close to dying when it was deliberately poisoned in 1989 with a chemical designed to kill hardwoods. Through extensive efforts the city was able to save only one-quarter of the tree. The culprit, convicted of felony criminal mischief, was sentenced to nine years in prison. The reason for the poisoning is unknown.

The sale of the 5-year-old Treaty Oak offspring is being called AMERICAN FORESTS' 1,000 Trees for Texas campaign. Proceeds from the sale will support several tree-planting projects throughout the state, as well as AMERICAN FORESTS' 2003 National Urban Forest Conference, scheduled for Sept. 17-20 in San Antonio. For more information on purchasing a tree, contact AMERICAN FORESTS' Historic Tree Nursery at 800/677-0727.