The Hunt for Favorite Trees:
The Clues
Follow these
directions to the trees. You will find at each tree
a flag with the insignia of the non-profits that helped with this day.
1. Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra. Reisers, 11 South Road.
I am in front of the blue
house. Look for the plaque they put on me just last year. It has a sweet story.
2. Copper
Beech, Fagus sylvatica var.
atropunicea West (also sometimes known as Òpurple beechÓ)
GroothoffÕs, 484 North Road.
I stand sentry near the barn
entrance at the front of the house. I was nominated more times than any other
tree (not to brag, or anything. I just think you should know how much I am
loved on this island.)
3. Eastern White Pine, Pinus strobus. 3rd
tee on the golf course.
Go down the slope behind the
shed at the tennis courts and cross half way over the bridge to the back tee of
the third hole. Turn to your right and look up, up, up my massive trunk. Do not
try to hug me. I donÕt want anyone getting hurt.
4. Horse chestnut tree, also called Buckeye, Aesculus hippocastanum,
Daytons, Higgins Farm, 646 South Road.
Go up the
driveway and keep the house to your right as you go towards the water. IÕm at
the front door, facing the water, providing lovely shade. My meadow was given
to the Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust. I am so grateful that my view will
be forever wild!
5. Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
Hoods, 11 JenkÕs Road.
Look to the
right at the bend in the road and walk across the field. YouÕll have to come
closer to see my trunk. Find out why I am called the Fun Tree!
6. Silver
Maple, Acer saccharinum Zauggs.
Follow Capps Rd to the intersection of Capps and
Artist's Point Roads. I am on the left, guarding the driveway as you look down
to the water. There's a telephone pole in front of me, but it is nothing
compared to my bark.
7. Triple
Pine, Pinus resinosa Bisharats
The entrance to the path is on Littlefield Road, across
and just past the entrance to the town garage. A big boulder marks the path.
There is a downed tree now on the path but it's easy to step over. The pine is
a short distance into the woods.
8. Silver Poplar or White Poplar, Populus alba, likely an ornamental,
low-growing variety (often
mistakenly called silver maple) Murrays, 134 John Small Road.
I shimmer
in the light right beside John Small Road in the MurrayÕs field. I am very
popular. (Excuse the pun, but it is true.)
9. White Ash, Fraxinus
americana Poochie
Ross, 142 John Small Road.
Follow the
driveway towards the water, leaving the grey barn on your left. About 75 yards
past the barn, I will be on your right, on the edge of the woods. If you get to
the grey Quonset hut, you have gone too far.
10. Paper birch, Betula
papyrifera Chebeague
Island School, 14 Schoolhouse Lane.
Near the
tennis courts and overlooking the vegetable garden, I have 5 trunks growing out
of my base. Generations of children have had their school pictures taken next
to me.
11. Northern Catalpa, Catalpa speciosa Howe and PassanoÕs, 168 South Road.
I am close
to the side of the road to the right of the house. You will know me by my large
leaves. In early July I have the most beautiful flowers. Notice next year!
12. Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra Trask's, 25 BennettÕs Cove Road.
I am in the
back yard. Go up the driveway and walk left between the house and the shed. I
am behind the shed and I create lots of shade. You can admire me from the
skating pond.
13. Ironwood,
formally called Eastern Hophornbeam (Hardhack; Ironwood), Ostrya virginiana Birketts, 48 John Small Road.
At the curve
in the road, go down the driveway and keep left of the door. Continue towards
the water. There are several ironwoods. The Favorite is just in front of the
trampoline. I am the one that has been the best for climbing. If you are
travelling by car, consider parking at the boatyard and walking to me. Bikes,
no problem.
14. Apple,
Malus pumila Cox-ChapmanÕs, 45 South
Shore Drive.
Follow
the dirt road, usually called ColemanÕs Cove, almost to the end. Look to your
right, away from the water. If you get to the turn- around you have gone too
far. Be sure to stop a moment to notice my view!
15. Norway Maple, Acer platanoides Hulburts, 33 Cottage Road.
Take the
path, which is a cut through bittersweet, to the right of the yellow house. You
canÕt miss me. Some say IÕm on RikerÕs Head; I say I am
wonderful. Speaking of viewsÉ
16. The talking tree
Go to the
school and see the hiking trail map in your booklet. Enter the path behind the
swings. After
passing post 12 you will be making a sharp left on the trail. It opens
into a clearing. The remaining ÒstumpÓ of me will be at 10 oÕclockish. So
many children at school learned about Nature from me!
17. The umbrella tree
Go the top of the Hook. Someone will show you where the tree was. As the tree is gone, and too much traffic is harmful, please take a picture of your team with the sign. Three cheers for the Land Trust that preserves this beautiful land and the memory of me!