The first tree in the program was a white oak (The Gudgel Oak - Quercus alba) that dates back to the French and Indian War. It is a well-known landmark tree, but it had structural problems and needed arboricultural work. We raised funds via donations and secured the discounted services of a certified arborist for pruning and cabling. Other contributions provided a small parking area for people to safely park to view the tree, and a large boulder and plaque recognizing the tree and describing its historical importance. With structural support from the cabling, the tree has withstood several severe ice storms and winds that otherwise might have toppled it, extending its life to inspire future generations.

The historic Wayside Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis), part of part of the first highway beautification project in Illinois, was preserved next. It became the focus of one of our most impressive projects, Wayside Park, at the junction of Route 97 and Route 123 east of Tallula. Wayside Park features a managed park area with a stone council ring, three historic trees, prairie plantings, and interpretive signing that explains the importance of various natural resources to Menard County. Across the road from Wayside Park visitors can see the historic cemetery where Mentor Graham, Lincoln's teacher, is buried. As a special surprise, visitor can "talk to Lincoln" while standing on the millstone at the council ring!

The giant Ann Rutledge Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), one of one of the largest and most splendid tuliptrees in central Illinois, then was monumented and provided with lightning protection, pruning, and cabling. It can be seen behind the grave of Ann Rutledge in Oakland Cemetery, Petersburg. Other trees include the State Champion Pawpaw, Dwarf Hackberry, Northern Catalpa, and Blackhaw Viburnum, as well as the National Champion Wildgoose Plum; rare hybrid trees such as the Riverbank Oak; and outstanding specimens such as the Kirby Oak and the Concord Arborvitae.

The State Champion Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) has joined the ranks of notable trees recognized as living landmarks by Menard County Trails and Greenways (MCT&G). The tree, located along the south side of Madison Street in Petersburg, suffered serious damage from last year's ice storms but remains the largest known pawpaw tree in Illinois. It was nominated by Guy Sternberg as an Illinois Champion in 2000, and confirmed by the Illinois Big Tree Program coordinated by the University of Illinois. See the link for more information about this program.

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

The largest known Osage orange tree (Maclura pomifera) in in Menard County was found at Starhill Forest Arboretum during a 1985 big tree survey conducted by the Soil & Water Conservation District. The tree, shown here with Edie Sternberg, is now nearly 14 feet in circumference.

 

The gnarly Old Wolf white oak (Quercus alba) may be the oldest tree in Menard County. Core dated to more than 400 years, it can be seen during guided hikes in Wolf Preserve along Boy Scout Trail. Scott Hewitt, Guy Sternberg, and Vern LaGesse are shown with the tree and its new plaque

 

The rare American Chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) at the historic Hargrave House in Athens is the largest of its kind in Menard County, and one of the largest in central Illinois. Owner Bob Defenbaugh, shown here, installed the plaque provided by Menard Trails & Greenways.

The historic Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera) hedgerows on both sides of Doyle Avenue at the Scully Farm canopy over the road like giant elms once did in our cities. Few better examples of such hedgerows remain in North America.

The huge cottonwood (Populus deltoides) at Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford is one of the largest trees in Menard County. Its trunk is approximately 20 feet in circumference. You can find it by walking the short trail from the pavilion past the windmill down to the creek. Edie Sternberg is shown here with the plaque mounted in the pavilion, and the tree can be seen in the background.