Preserving Our Natural Legacy 🌳
Along the shores of Lake St. Clair, Grosse Pointe is home to a great variety of trees that have stood witness to generations of change. From majestic oaks that have shaded Farmhouse homes to towering chestnuts lining Lakeshore Drive, these trees add beauty, provide environmental benefits, and tell the story of our community’s history.
As part of an ongoing effort to celebrate and preserve these living landmarks, the Grosse Pointe Learning Collaborative has launched an initiative where residents can submit notable trees for recognition through the Grosse Pointe Notable Trees Submission Page.
🌳 Why Recognize Notable Trees?
Recognizing and preserving notable trees is about more than aesthetics—it’s about environmental sustainability, community identity, and education. Notable trees provide:
✅ Environmental Benefits: Trees improve air quality, reduce erosion, and serve as natural carbon sinks.
✅ Historical Connection: Many older trees in Grosse Pointe have historical ties to notable landmarks or events.
✅ Community Pride: Celebrating these trees encourages stewardship and inspires future generations to appreciate and protect Grosse Pointe’s natural beauty.
🌱 What Makes a Tree Notable?
A tree may be considered notable if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Age and Size: Exceptionally old or large trees that have been a part of the community for decades, if not centuries.
- Historical Significance: Trees that were planted to commemorate events, landmarks, or people.
- Rare Species: Unique or uncommon species that thrive in our local environment.
- Aesthetic or Cultural Value: Trees that contribute to the visual character of a neighborhood or have special meaning to the community.
📸 How to Submit a Tree
Submitting a notable tree is easy and a great way to contribute to Grosse Pointe’s natural legacy. Here’s how:
- Visit the Submission Page: Go to https://gplearns.uls.org/trees.
- Gather Information: Provide details about the tree, such as its location, species, approximate age, and any historical or cultural significance.
- Upload Photos: Include clear photographs that capture the tree’s size, shape, and surrounding environment.
- Share Your Story: If the tree has a special connection to the community, be sure to share its story—whether it was planted by a notable resident, part of a historic estate, or simply holds sentimental value.
🌿 What Happens After Submission?
Once submitted, your tree will be reviewed by local arbor enthusiasts, students and historians who will evaluate its significance. Notable trees may be highlighted in future community events, inspire an artist, be featured on the Grosse Pointe Learning Collaborative website, or even considered for special recognition, a Notable Trees booklet and posting on the Facebook page: Grosse Pointe Tree Tales.
🌳 Get Involved in Tree Preservation
Beyond submitting a notable tree, Grosse Pointe residents can also play an active role in tree preservation efforts. Consider:
🌱 Planting more trees to replace aging tree stock.
🌱 Educating neighbors about proper tree care and maintenance.
🌱 Supporting initiatives to protect and grow the aging tree canopy in Grosse Pointe.
By celebrating and protecting our notable trees, we not only honor the past but also ensure a greener, healthier future for generations to come.
Ready to nominate a tree? Visit https://gplearns.uls.org/trees and share your story today!
There is an old Greek proverb that reads, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
-Aspiring to Spread Joy
