To many it’s known simply as “The Tree” – the impressive White Oak at the corner of Bear Gap and Orchard Roads north of Clarkesville that marks the spot where you turn on your way to Glen Ella Springs.
To experts and enthusiasts, it’s known as Georgia’s oldest White Oak and one of the top 10 oldest White Oaks in the United States.
Whatever you call it, the stately old oak is now the focus of a preservation campaign. A committee, website and fundraising campaign recently launched to help preserve this natural landmark for future generations to enjoy.
Estimated at between 330 and 400 years old, the White Oak at Bear Gap and Orchard has endured centuries of change, most notably, the recent construction of a new firehouse in the once open field adjacent to it. While some may question the county’s choice of construction sites, fears about damage to the tree appear to have been allayed.
A press release from the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce cites a report by Certified Arborist John Shearouse stating the tree was not damaged during the construction. Shearouse says the tree could live another 50-100 years if protected.
That’s precisely what The Committee for Preservation of Georgia’s Oldest White Oak aims to do. The committee, led by District 1 county commissioner Stacy Hall, has two main goals according to its website. First, to preserve and protect the historic White Oak and, second, to leverage available resources in order to use the White Oak as an educational icon for area students and visitors.
How do they intend to do that?
The committee has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $20,000 to construct a protective fence around the apron of the tree, build a boardwalk to the trunk of the tree and provide educational signage.
To raise money, the committee is selling prints of a photograph of the celebrated oak taken by award-winning photographer Richard Smith during a recent snowstorm.
“The Tree” is on display at the Habersham Chamber of Commerce office in Cornelia, the Historic Mauldin House in Clarkesville, Glen Ella Springs Inn & Meeting Place and The Orchard’s Administrative Office in Hollywood. You can fill out an order form at any of these locations or click here to download the form from the committee’s website.
“You have to see the print to fully appreciate it,” says Chamber president Judy Taylor. “I’m glad Smith captured this image for Habersham’s posterity.”
A 16 x 24 limited edition print ready for framing is $100, and a 16 x 24 image mounted on canvas with brush strokes is $200.
In addition to selling the prints, the committee plans to solicit donations, pursue possible grant funding and hold a chilli supper at Fire Station #17 which now sits near where the tree stands.
For more information about the Historic White Oak and efforts to preserve it, visit GeorgiasOldestWhiteOak.com or call the Habersham Chamber of Commerce at 706-778-4654.
