A Washington Elm seedling – which is a lineal descendant of the historic elm tree from Revolutionary-era Cambridge, MA – will be planted on Garrett College’s McHenry Campus on April 29th, celebrating the College’s continued participation in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Program.
The seedling will be planted at 10:30 a.m. between the GIEC Building and the Library/Learning Commons along the Mosser Road Heritage Trail. The seedling is being provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Popular legend has it that George Washington took command of the Continental Army under the Washington Elm, which lived more than two centuries before its passing in 1923. A bronze marker was placed at the spot where Washington allegedly took command of the troops, with another American President, Calvin Coolidge, speaking nearby at the site of a Washington Elm seedling that had recently been planted in 1925.
“This seedling will continue to grow and serve as a tie to our nation’s history on the Garrett College campus,” said Maryland Forest Service Garrett/Allegany Project Manager Melissa Nash.
The original Washington Elm was divided up into approximately 1,000 pieces, which were distributed to all the states and their legislatures, with a cross-section of the tree going to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s beloved estate. A descendant seedling was also planted at Mount Vernon in 1932, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
The Mountain Laurel Garden Club is joining with the Department of Natural Resources, the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash Committee, and Garrett College to host the planting.
The public is cordially invited to attend the planting ceremony. Parking providing direct access to the planting site is available in Parking Lot D (in front of the 700/Administration Building), while additional parking is available in Parking Lot A (in front of the GIEC Building).
