5 minute read
Walking/Driving Tours
HERITAGE TREE TOUR
t happened in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, 2020 became the year of the virtual.
Everything went digital, from our concerts to our car shows to our business meetings. Now, as we cautiously seek outdoor activities that can be accomplished in small groups with plenty of space for social distancing, our parks and public outdoor spaces are our refuge. To our delight, we discover that as we’ve grappled with stay at home orders, school cancellations and widespread business closures, our natural environment has been ambitious and determined to flourish. Colors are deeper, foliage is brighter, wildflowers are more vivid – and the trees – well, the trees are the stars of the show.
Trees are life givers. They
Icleanse our air, provide us shelter, give us oxygen, and mend our broken hearts. They are living antidepressants, proven in their ability to elevate mood, increase wellbeing, reduce depression, and revitalize our weary spirits. Trees are completely selfless. The gifts they give us are immeasurable and they ask for little in return.
BY CHRIS HENDRICKSON
Do you want to nominate a tree for heritage designation? You can find the nomination form at: https://bit.ly/2Carpws.
Now, thanks to Monroe’s recently launched Heritage Tree Program, the City’s most unique and spectacular trees are showcased in a walking tour that celebrates Monroe’s past as well as its present and future. Launched in fall of 2018 and formally established in spring of 2019, the Monroe Heritage Tree Program is sponsored by the City of Monroe, the Monroe Historical Society and the Monroe Park Board, and enjoys strong community support.
Like the trees it is meant to honor and recognize, the Heritage Tree Program is living and dynamic, accepting nominations for new heritage trees on an annual basis. Currently, a total of 12 trees have been accepted into the program, which welcomes nominations in four distinct categories: Historic, Specimen, Landmark, and Collection. Anyone can nominate a tree for heritage designation, as long as they have permission from the owner of the property where the tree is located.
Trees one through seven are conveniently clustered around Monroe’s historic downtown core, making it easy to craft a rewarding and unique family-friendly daytrip. We recommend grabbing a togo lunch at one of our downtown eateries and building your adventure as you go. The beautiful thing about the Heritage Tree Walk is that you get to enjoy the loveliness that exists between the trees, as you become immersed in the quaint charm of the oldest part of the City.
One of our very favorites is the Catalpa Grove, a stunning chorus line of vivid green catalpa trees, tucked away on South Blakeley. The trees themselves are a vision, with their heart-shaped leaves and intense green hues, but peer in between the graceful trunks and you’ll discover a curious old cobblestone fence that is original to the property and a relic from another time.
As you explore the southernmost trees on the tour, you’ll find yourself alongside the river, with a couple different options if you want to stop and have a bite. Lewis Street Park, home to the White Kousa Dogwood that is number one on the tour, is the City’s oldest park, boasting gorgeous views of the Skykomish River and Cascade Mountains, along with picnic tables, a children’s play area, parking, restrooms, a trail system and other amenities.
A short walk takes you to the public boat launch on the west side of the Lewis Street Bridge, a landmark bridge made famous by its starring role in the 2015 Amazon series, The Man in the High Castle. The Skykomish River is impressive no matter the season, and there is plenty of beach to explore. And once you’re on the west side of the highway it’s an easy jaunt up to Sumac Drive to see the regal 26-foot Magnolia that is tree number six.
Trees nine through 12 are located to the west of downtown Monroe, admittedly a bit of hike from the historic town center. A motivated stepper willing to devote the time will have no trouble navigating the roughly two-mile journey, but families interested in brevity may want to park at the City’s Currie View Park, a small neighborhood park located between downtown Monroe and the City’s western
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edge. This segment of the tour includes some incredible, one-of-akind trees that you do not want to miss, so have confidence that your effort will be rewarded in the end.
From Currie View Park, you are just a short distance away from tree number 12, an absolutely fabulous Black Walnut that is estimated to be more than 100 years old. This incredibly showy dame practically begs to be climbed, but she’s tucked behind a fence and safely ensconced on private property.
A true showstopper on this segment of the tour is tree number 10, a glorious Camperdown Elm with mysterious origins. This contorted species of elm was discovered in Scotland in 1840, and no one is quite sure how this unusual breed of tree found its way to Monroe. At first glance the tree resembles the nesting site of some prehistoric creature long extinct, with twisting branches that spiral upward like a tornado. You can imagine this tree coming to life in a magical forest, offering wisdom to passersby like an ancient warlock frozen in tree form by a witch’s curse.
The City of Monroe, Monroe Historical Society and Monroe Park Board would like to ask tourgoers to be respectful to homeowners when viewing the trees and as tempting as it is, please don’t touch them (or climb them) or walk into yards.
Please find more information about the Monroe Heritage Tree Program at: www.monroewa.gov/787. Currie View Park is located at 17260 153rd Street SE and Lewis Street Park is located at 561 S Lewis Street in Monroe.
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