An Ode to an Old Oak

Our Heritage Oak, awarded “Oldest Oak Tree” winner in the Black Oak category in 2022 by the Geneva Lake Conservancy, has succumbed to the inevitability of Nature’s life cycle. 

While taking a quiet, late afternoon walk through Kishwauketoe, it was surprising and unexpected when I saw our Great Oak…there she was, silent, broken, her great canopy lying quiet and still upon the ground in the white satin of a fresh, light snow. She looked tired, peaceful and content, a long life lived well. 

So, this ode is to her: 

Old tree, you heard the whispers of Potawatomi and French 

Then the cry of Yankees When Revolution flared, 100 years you already stood Over 300 years you watched over this land 

Proud and courageous, stouthearted and brave 

And nourished our animal friends 

Shaded our tired souls 

And gave us awe as we gazed at your strength and majesty.

The last measurement of the circumference of the tree on November 20, 2019 was 17 feet, or a diameter of 65 inches. For a black oak tree, this would equate to an age of about 325 years.