F R I E N D S o f G L E N P R O V I D E N C E P A R K
MARCH 2018 NEWSLETTER
The Grand White Oak
For those who are not already aware, we are incredibly sad to report that the park's iconic, majestic White Oak on the sledding hill fell in the Nor'easter on Friday, March 2. When we "tree mapped" the oak in 2012, its diameter was 68 3/4 inches, and we believe it was over 200 years old.
It turns out that the tree was completely hollow, and we are fortunate that no one was hurt when this grand tree fell. It is amazing to think of all of the wildlife it benefited, and the people it shaded, for so many years... not to mention the beauty and respite for Glen Providence Park's visitors.
We assembled a "Tribute to the White Oak" album on Facebook with historical photos from the park's early years, and more recent photos from all seasons. We also shared more photos of its sad demise. People have been sharing their stories about the tree, from wedding engagements, to shade in concerts, to comfort and solace in times of need.
Looking forward
We have been corresponding with Delaware County Parks & Recreation about the White Oak - they will bring in a tree surgeon to assess and remove the oak and other large or precarious trees damaged in the storm. They are considering our requests both to leave the hollow, standing portion of the trunk as a natural play house for kids (and adults!), and to allow us to make park benches from some of its wood.
 We would like to thank County Parks - after two Nor'easters in one week, they were fast to clear fallen trees along the trails and by the pond.
County Parks has granted permission for a tree planting with Media Rotary, Media-Providence Friends School, Williamson College of the Trades, and Friends of Glen Providence Park - we are working on plans to plant canopy trees on the sledding hill on Wednesday, April 18. In addition to the trees planted there on Earth Day in 2015, we hope they will grow to be the grand shade trees for future generations!
Losing the centuries-old White Oak is certainly an opportunity to reflect and take a historical perspective on the glen and all its changes through the years... why not a geological perspective, even?
 Geology WalkSaturday, March 17
10:00am-12:00 noon
Glen Providence Park – *3rd Street entrance*
Rain date Saturday, March 24
Join us for a St. Patrick's Day geology tour of Glen Providence Park! We are bringing back one of our most popular walks – Charles Randall will explain the geological history of the area, and he’ll put the rocks of the park into the regional picture. To supplement the rocks we can find, he will bring samples of what’s likely to be under the biology.
Meet us at the 3rd Street entrance, and bring your hiking poles and sturdy boots - the trails are a bit muddy.
Free & family-friendly! For more details & logistics, click here.
Happy St. Patrick's Day - enjoy the park! ☘️
- Friends of Glen Providence Park
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