The Shadow
Lewisburg, W. Va. – Students from Mountain Gateway Community College’s (MGCC) second- year Forest Mensuration II course embarked on an intriguing project early in the Fall semester to determine the age of a historic white oak tree in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
Scott Reigel, Forestry Program Head at MGCC, explained the process: “The diameter of the ‘cookie’ from the white oak measured an impressive 60.9 inches. Our students used various methods to estimate the tree’s age. By visually counting the growth rings, they determined the tree to be about 228 years old, suggesting it began its life around 1796.”
The students also applied two different average growth measurements and formulas typically used on live trees:
– By measuring the average growth over the last 100 years (1924-2024), they calculated the tree to be 242 years old, dating back to 1782.
– By measuring the average growth over the last 175 years (1849-2024), they estimated the tree to be 276 years old, dating back to 1748.
Averaging these methods, the students concluded that the tree was approximately 249 years old, meaning it likely started growing around 1775.
“We love trees for all they offer, and history is absolutely one of them,” Reigel added. “The push pins used in the project marked 25-year increments from the current year back to the tree’s center, helping us visualize its growth over centuries.”
The tree was located on the property of the McBride house, known to many longtime residents as the Jasper House. The property has been in the McBride family since 1970, following its purchase by John and Beverley McBride. The house was previously owned by the Jasper family for 60 years.
Matt Condon with Four Seasons Tree Care, LLC spent plenty of time tending to the tree.
“For well over 10 years, we had the honor of caring for the health and integrity of this historic monument,” Condon said.
Kim McBride, the property owner, had been advised that the tree was becoming a danger, but it held a special place in her heart – making the decision more challenging.
“Having to cut down this landmark tree was extremely traumatic for us. We delayed the removal as long as we could,” she said. Condon took great pride in providing services up until the end.
“It was with great respect that we were able to lower it safely to the ground,” Condon said. “The greatest value in our business is maintaining the health of the urban trees for our clients. Our clients and their trees become part of our family.”
It was an emotional process for everyone involved, but one that came full-circle.
“Knowing that its removal provided a beneficial experience for the students helps us feel less sad,” McBride said.
From beginning to end – one tree’s end planted several more seeds in the minds of aspiring foresters.
To learn more about hands-on educational opportunities through MGCC’s Forestry programs, reach out to Scott Reigel at sreigel@mgcc.edu.
Registration is open for the spring semester! Call 540-863-2820 to register for upcoming courses. Classes start on January 13.
