October - Champions and Mentors
I have passed by this stately Basswood tree on the front lawn of the OMI Novitiate for twenty years without noticing it. It was Steve, our groundskeeper, and Bill, faithful volunteer, who took notice of its size and suggested that we nominate it to be an Illinois Big Tree Champion.
After measurements were taken and sent to the University of Illinois Extension, this Basswood, standing at 75' with a circumference of 13' 2.5" was certified as a state champion and will be added to the Illinois Big Tree Register!
As part of the certification process, a "verifier" came out to check on our measurements. While he was here, he noticed a line of Black Locust trees, planted as a windbreak alongside the drive. He knew that there is currently no black locust champion, so we measured a large one and nominated it. It also has been certified as an Illinois Big Tree Champion, standing at 77' with a 11'11" circumference and an average crown spread of 46'. We have to thank Mr. Levis for caring for the land by planting so many trees about 100 years ago!
Certification in the Big Tree Program means both trees will be featured on the Big Tree Register, and the Oblates will receive certificates. But, is recognition all there is to having a state champion? Obviously, there is a greater value to big trees, for they have provided many ecosystem services for a very long time.
Think about how much carbon is sequestered over a lifetime by big trees, helping regulate climate. Consider how much water is absorbed and stored by big trees, recharging groundwater and reducing runoff.
Imagine how many squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and songbirds have fed on Basswood seeds; how many white-tailed deer have foraged on the buds and stems; the amount of bees that have gathered nectar from the lovely, abundant flowers in the springtime!
One has to wonder how many owls and songbirds have found shelter in their wide canopies over the years and how many insects have lived in the bark. How many millions of leaves have fallen from these trees, enriching the soil and providing habitat for insects!
The question comes to mind again, is there more to it than recognition and ecosystem services? Of course, and Mary Oliver says it so well in her poem "When I Am Among the Trees". She tells us they give off hints of gladness and save her, daily! She shares their words, "Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, 'Stay awhile'. The light flows from their branches. And they call again, 'It's simple,' they say, 'and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.'
When we put aside our human arrogance and listen for revelation from trees, they become our mentors, inspiring us to live long and gracious lives in service to others.
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