Life & Legacy of the Bur Oak Tree

Lincoln Park Zoo is saying goodbye to the 250- to 300-year-old bur oak tree that stands in the middle of zoo grounds now that it has reached its natural end of life.

The tree will live on in partnership with The Morton Arboretum, where 36 of its scions were grafted onto rootstock for propagation, preserving its genetics. Slices of the felled tree will also be provided to the Illinois State Archaeological Survey to support dendrological and climate studies in Cook County with the Cook County Forest Preserve.

The level of degradation within the tree’s trunk will determine its ability to live on in other ways, but the zoo is hoping to dry, mill, and preserve slices of the tree for memorials, educational tools and nature play spaces at the zoo. The zoo is also in conversations with local woodworkers and artisans who, pending the condition of the wood, plan to create other products and artwork from the tree remnants.

[lejjamie]

It's so nice to hear of all the planning for future "legacies" of this tree! Thanks for the video and the care.