General Greene Tree recognized as SC Heritage Tree
November 15, 2018
Trees SC has recognized the General Greene Tree, an old-growth bald cypress located in Congaree National Park, as the 2018 South Carolina Heritage Tree. A recognition ceremony will take place onsite on Friday, December 7th, 2018. The public is invited to attend.
Trees SC is a non-profit organization that supports our state’s trees and promotes the stewardship of South Carolina’s urban and community forests. They present the Heritage Tree Award each year to a tree with great significance to its community. Karen Hauck, Executive Director of Trees SC., said they selected the General Greene Tree because of “its rich history, and the commitment and appreciation of visitors to the tree’s maintenance and preservation.” It joins trees such as the Angel Oak on Johns Island, the trees of the USC Horseshoe, and the Bald Cypress Grove at Edisto Memorial Gardens.
Standing in a forest of giants, the General Greene Tree has a circumference of 30 feet, the largest of any bald cypress so far found in the park. While the tree’s age is uncertain because of its hollow trunk, its size suggests it is several centuries old. The tree is named in honor of Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene, who met Francis Marion not far from the tree at McCord’s Ferry after the nearby battle of Fort Motte. It escaped logging because its hollow center and broken crown made it useless for lumber. Now within the park, today the tree stands tall for future generations to experience.
The ceremony will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, December 7th, at the Bates Ferry Trailhead off of Highway 601. This is about a 20 minute drive east of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and parking is very limited. Carpooling to the ceremony is encouraged. After a brief ceremony park rangers will lead a hike to the tree. This easy hike will last approximately one hour and be one mile roundtrip. Hikers should bring weather appropriate clothing and footwear that can get dirty. Hiking boots are recommended. In the event of poor weather or flooding, the event will take place at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Please call the visitor center front desk or check the website to confirm conditions and the ceremony location before arriving.
For more information about Congaree National Park, please call 803-776-4396 or visit www.nps.gov/cong .
Join Congaree National Park on social media: www.facebook.com/CongareeNP , www.twitter.com/CongareeNPS , www.flickr.com/photos/congareenps and www.pinterest.com/congareenps.
