Roughly 21 years ago, in about 1998-99, we planted this tree. It's a Dawn Redwood, and was about 6 feet tall when we planted it, maybe a little less. All these years later, it's about 40-45 feet tall, which would make it a relatively fast grower for a tree. Which is a good thing, since it has a lot of growing left to do.
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| Dawn Redwood in the mist |
The cool thing about this tree is that is has a good 60 feet or so of growth left, reaching a final height of about 100 feet.
The Dawn Redwood was only known as a fossil until found growing in a remote valley of the Szechuan province of China in 1941. Since then it has been propagated around the world. Including right here in my part of Pennsylvania, by me and my wife.
With luck, it could outlast me by a few hundred years. With a huge whole lot of luck, it could see the year 3000.
Highly highly unlikely, but possible. Which is kinda cool to contemplate. The end of life for this tree could be as far ahead of us as the defeat of Harold Godwinson by William the Conqueror at the battle of Hastings is behind us.
Perspective is good.
Our lives are a fleeting instant in the life of the world. Which I think means we have an obligation to not irrevocably mess things up for all that may come after us. My kids. My grandkids. Yours, and your descendants.
Mad Max is a good movie series. Not a good future.
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