Ancient yet alive giants

Trees hold cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for many communities. Meet some of those who have been with us for thousands of years.

1. Methuselah: Located in the White Mountains of California, Methuselah is considered one of the oldest known living trees. This Great Basin bristlecone pine is estimated to be over 4,800 years old, making it a true marvel of nature’s endurance.

2. Old Tjikko: Found in Sweden’s Fulufjället Mountain, Old Tjikko is a Norway spruce that has captured worldwide attention. Believed to be around 9,550 years old, this tree has survived the test of time, enduring changing climates and natural events.

3. Jōmon Sugi: Nestled on Yakushima Island in Japan, Jōmon Sugi is a Japanese cedar estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old. Revered as a national treasure, it stands as a living testament to Japan’s ancient forests.

4. The President: This giant sequoia, located in California’s Sequoia National Park, is one of the world’s largest trees by volume. While its exact age remains unknown, it is estimated to be over 3,200 years old. The President stands tall, representing the awe-inspiring grandeur of these ancient giants.

Whose loss made us cry!

1. The Senator: The Senator was a 3,500-year-old bald cypress tree located in Florida, USA. In 2012, a devastating fire caused by a lightning strike burned the tree down. The local community and visitors mourned the loss of this iconic tree, which had been a cherished landmark in the area for generations.

2. The Tree of Ténéré: The Tree of Ténéré was an isolated acacia tree in the Sahara Desert in Niger. It was considered the most remote tree on Earth and served as a crucial navigational marker for travellers in the desert. Unfortunately, it was accidentally run over by a truck in 1973. Its loss was deeply mourned by the local Tuareg people and others who recognized its significance as a symbol of life and survival in an unforgiving environment.

3. The Pioneer Cabin Tree: The Pioneer Cabin Tree, located in California’s Calaveras Big Trees State Park, was a giant sequoia that had a tunnel carved through its base, allowing people to walk through it. In 2017, after years of severe drought and storm damage, the tree toppled over. Its fall was met with sadness from locals and visitors who had admired and interacted with the iconic tree.

The impact of these fallen trees often inspires conversations about conservation, the fragility of ecosystems, and the need to protect and appreciate our natural surroundings.