We are working to protect the historic northern red oak adjacent to the downstream section of River Walk on Bridge Street.
Northern red oak trees provide food and shelter to a myriad of creatures and have been documented to host over 1,000 different species.
For this reason northern red oak trees are considered a keystone species, or an organism that has an outsized impact on its ecosystem. These keystone species maintain ecological balance by creating habitats and providing critical food resources. The disappearance of a keystone species can trigger negative effects throughout an ecosystem.
Northern red oaks are valued symbolically by humans for their beauty and perceived strength. Many visitors to River Walk take notice of this regal tree which provides dense shade in the summer and vibrant colors in the autumn.
To protect this keystone northern red oak, we need to protect its root system from compaction and its trunk from damage. Currently the wire fencing around the trunk protects this valuable tree from beavers. In the next few months you will notice a new fence made from repurposed fence rails and bittersweet vines to protect the root zone from compaction by both vehicle and foot traffic.
The GBLC team will be gathering large and interesting sections of bittersweet vine to create the protective enclosure. Donations are welcome! Contact christine@gbland.org if you would like to donate your bittersweet cuttings.
