Thursday, October 31, 2013

HISTORICAL TREE WALK

American Elm planted in 1907
I have continued my research on native trees in the Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs area. I actually found a reference for a walking tour of notable historic trees. I printed out the map and set out on this tour one day last week. So few of the original trees planted by General Palmer (founder of Colorado Springs) have survived so when you come across one of these magnificent trees it is awe inspiring. Not so much because of the size of the tree, but that they have survived this long planted in this climate. I am a native of New Orleans. There are oak trees there dating back 400 years so, relatively speaking, these Colorado trees aren't that old. It's the fact that they have survived amidst harsh conditions that is fascinating to me.

As I walked along I gathered fallen leaves from the ground underneath these trees. I collected Cottonwood,  American Elm, Willow, Green Ash and Maple leaves. They feel special to me because of their history and I am looking forward to seeing what kind of contact prints I get from them.
Cottonwood Leaves  from tree planted in 1872. Leaves are 6-7" in diameter. Norm is 2-3"