Baltimore Woods’ Old Oak Downed in Wind Storm
The largest, oldest and most remarkable oak in the Baltimore Woods corridor came down in a thunderous crash during a gust from an early September windstorm this fall. Strong winds caught the giant’s branches, some as big around as a grown man, and pushed them and the mighty trunk over taking with it a large utility pole, nearby trees and all the electrical power in the nearby condominiums. Neighbors reported what sounded like a bomb going off and a shaking of the ground.
The impact has been literally shattering not just in terms of the crash, but also in the minds and hearts of all us “Friends” who work to restore Oregon oak habitat in this remaining woodland and meadow corridor of oak.
The Old Oak as we named it, was a 200 year anchor, an example of a mature oak, one of the few left. During walking tours, it was always pointed out for its classic horizontal form, its mosses, lichens, ferns and creatures that inhabit an oak’s particular ecosystem.
Visitors were told the Old Oak was likely present when William Clark and his crew, led by a native American, first explored the Willamette River in April of 1806. It was part of the land claim of the founder of our once-town. We speculated aloud why it had been spared when all the other giants were cut to make way for “progress.” We came up with many scenarios of its life.
When the giant’s remains were examined, it was clear that it had rot, probably for quite some time. Maybe even before the large bulldozer had backed into it while working on the adjacent condos. Such is the fate of many an urban tree.
Nonetheless, a healing process has begun with the understanding of the importance of this down tree within our natural woodland. Down trees also create a particular ecosystem that’s essential habitat for certain plants and animals. It will play a vital role in the lifecycles of hundreds of species including fungi, insects, woodpeckers, certain reptiles, amphibians and small animals.
That brings us solace and hope. Rest in peace Old Oak.
By Barbara Quinn
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