This large and ancient, cutleaf beech tree, Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia,' growing near the old carriage house by the Kent State University Women's Center, is older than Kent State.
The tree has been dated to be at least 200 years old by a certified Ohio arborist, who is part of the Kent State Tree Advisory Board.
The date coincides with the establishment of the original homestead on the property where the Williamson House now stands.
In 2019, when construction of a three-tier parking deck was proposed for this site as part of the 10-year facilities master plan, called Gateway to a Distinctive Kent State, this tree was going to be cut down.
With the help of the Ohio Independent Arborist Association, Kent State's Herrick Conservatory was able to propagate a number of saplings to help preserve the tree's legacy.
Melissa Davis, Kent State's horticultural facilities director, said American beech trees are listed as a tree species with “not much change predicted” in future changing climates. Plus, now that the parking deck is no longer part of the master plan, the tree remains secure in its place on campus and in Kent State history.
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This is one of the saplings that was propagated from this tree.
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WRITTEN BY: PHIL B. SOENCKSEN