Week of July 13, 2025 – July 19, 2025
by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator
I recently went on a trip to the coast of Maine, which included a visit to my college campus. It had been a few years since my last visit, but many things remained the same. I especially enjoyed visiting my tree friends! There is a very old, castle-like stone building in the middle of campus, and in front of it stands an ancient, gnarly beech tree. I still remember my first visit to campus and seeing this beautiful tree, which is memorable to so many students. The trunk is stout and strong, so the branches aren’t far from the ground. This allows for nice climbing opportunities.
Throughout childhood, I gathered many special memories of trees. The local duck pond had yew trees with twisted, orangish branches that were fun to climb in. I remember crying when a huge Silver Maple down the street was cut down. It was dying and this was probably the safest choice, but it was hard to ride my bike past that spot without the massive tree standing there.
Some of my favorite Baltimore Woods trees include the “owl tree” where a screech-owl hangs out, several large trees near the fen, and a big White Pine near the Harrison Trail. While many things in the world are changing around us, trees continue to patiently and steadily grow. They change throughout their lives and with the seasons, but in many ways they also stay the same. Spring growth darkens to summer leaves and then fiery fall hues, followed by bare branches laced with snow– all in a repeating cycle. During challenging times, trees hold a quiet wisdom. They provide a sense of nostalgia, safety, and connection to place. Some of us have known certain trees for decades, maybe even since childhood. This summer, I hope you take some time to appreciate the trees that grow around you.