I was here … said the tree
This is most likely the single documented memory of this trees existence. At the time I took the photo it was the atmosphere and the isolation from nearby trees that caught my attention. In the long run this has become an oddly historical photo. The backstory, prior to hurricane Irma in 2019 this wetland had numerous mature trees that were decimated by the fierce winds and eventually they were removed by the home owners association. This young tree survived the storm because it was shrouded by the mature trees and it grew quickly after there was nothing to block it’s growth any longer.
After this photo was taken last year some uninformed people chose to remove this tree for unknown reasons. They learned that this tree species is protected by state law after the fact. They were fined and supposed to replace it which there is not evidence that it was replaced. However, the point is they did what was right in their own eyes without knowledge of laws to protect endangered plant and wildlife species. We are all guilty of acting without good intel at one point or another during our lives and this is a reminder we should think twice before leaping.
I am forever grateful that this tree spoke loud enough to my inner being to preserve it’s memory and short life.
UPDATE: I walked the area this week where the tree had stood
and was pleasantly surprised to see that not only one tree had been planted but three new trees had been planted in replacement of this little one who’s time was shortened.
I was here … said the tree
This is most likely the single documented memory of this trees existence. At the time I took the photo it was the atmosphere and the isolation from nearby trees that caught my attention. In the long run this has become an oddly historical photo. The backstory, prior to hurricane Irma in 2019 this wetland had numerous mature trees that were decimated by the fierce winds and eventually they were removed by the home owners association. This young tree survived the storm because it was shrouded by the mature trees and it grew quickly after there was nothing to block it’s growth any longer.
After this photo was taken last year some uninformed people chose to remove this tree for unknown reasons. They learned that this tree species is protected by state law after the fact. They were fined and supposed to replace it which there is not evidence that it was replaced. However, the point is they did what was right in their own eyes without knowledge of laws to protect endangered plant and wildlife species. We are all guilty of acting without good intel at one point or another during our lives and this is a reminder we should think twice before leaping.
I am forever grateful that this tree spoke loud enough to my inner being to preserve it’s memory and short life.
UPDATE: I walked the area this week where the tree had stood
and was pleasantly surprised to see that not only one tree had been planted but three new trees had been planted in replacement of this little one who’s time was shortened.