In the Richland Village section of our town, we have a giant white oak tree that reached the age of 235 years old. It died last year. It was a beautiful tree.
We are making an effort to fund raise to make a carving out of the tree trunk and lower limbs featuring highlights of our Township’s 150 years in existence. The tree is huge and we need the funds to hire a well-known chainsaw carver to make a permanent memorial out of this historic old tree located in the center of Saw Mill Park on Route 40.
The design will feature carvings around the entire trunk of the tree. Ideas include a tractor for the farming industry, a chicken for the former poultry industry, deer to represent the abundant wildlife in the Township, a soldier, a locomotive, an eagle and the Township’s logo.
The trunk will be sealed and preserved with polyurethane and a fence around the tree will help keep it protected. The monument will be lighted and capture the spirit of the fine tree this once was. It will feature a semi-circle of six young white oak trees that will grow in the future behind the huge carved tree.
Preliminary work to remove excess branches will begin in October. The largest and strongest branches will remain intact.
To make a donation, please send a check or money order payable to the BVT Special Events Committee, P.O. Box 605, Buena, NJ 08310. All funds raised will go directly to this project.