It is 77 feet tall, has an average crown spread of 87.5 feet, and a circumference of 179.4 inches (14.95 feet!).
The tree was nominated by Julie Uram, Executive Director of Nature At The Confluence. “Nature At The Confluence exists on land that was dumped on and disrespected for many years, so to have a handful of very mature native trees here is special,” said Uram. The campus is home to four large Eastern Cottonwoods located near Turtle Creek. Both the trees and creek have played a significant role in the site’s history. Before Irish immigrants created the settlement that is now South Beloit in 1853, the site was home to a Native American village.
Therese Oldenburg, current board member at Nature At The Confluence wrote, “perhaps their mother tree provided shade for the Ho-Chunk who lived here along Turtle Creek at Ke-Chunk village until 1832.” For many Native Americans, Cottonwood trees are sacred, with elements of the tree utilized in glues, dyes, masks, ceremonial objects, medicines, and canoes. You can find the sculpture: “Ke-Chunk Ciporoke,” created by Ho Chunk artist Truman Lowe, between this month’s Legacy Tree and Turtle Creek. This sculpture and the Cottonwood trees themselves serve as a symbol of the rich history of the Ho-Chunk people who lived along Turtle Creek.
Later in The Confluence’s history, the land became a dumping ground for waste and debris. After years of restoration, this Eastern Cottonwood now serves as a gathering place for the community. “The cooling shade of this tree makes it ideal for teaching outdoor lessons,” said Uram, “because countless species find habitat in this giant Cottonwood, there is always something curious to observe with kids.”
Cottonwoods are the “redwoods” of the Midwest, readily growing over 100-feet tall with trunks of 9-feet in diameter. They are fast growing trees that are either male or female – the namesake female trees produce green chains of fruit capsules that pop open in late spring to the summer solstice and release the tiny seeds attached to a bit of cotton that carries them away. Many despise this aspect of the tree as it can clog screens including in heat exchange units, while others celebrate this sparkling summer snow. The seed must land on moist, exposed ground and germinates immediately. That was usually at a disturbance from a flood or animal like a buffalo wallow. “We can imagine how this tree got its start here, and we are glad the tree was protected through the land restoration,” said Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of Natural Land Institute.
Cottonwoods are not recommended as residential or urban trees because their roots seek moisture and they can get into and clog everything from sewer and water pipes to septic fields. They are right at home along swales, creeks, rivers and other wetlands where they are one of the top trees in supporting the web of life around us. This tree is in the perfect spot near Turtle Creek, away from infrastructure, and on the grounds of a nature focused center. The shiny leaves are on flat stems (petioles) that make the leaves wobble in a breeze, sounding like light applause on a breezy summer day. Their pendant branches are a favorite site for Baltimore Orioles to construct their woven, hanging nests – safely out of reach to most predators.
Nature At The Confluence is an environmental learning center with the goal of connecting people with nature. The campus offers a restored prairie, several trails, learning and pollinator gardens, and programs for all ages throughout the year. On August 13th , Nature At The Confluence will host the annual Duck Race Fundraiser. You can purchase your rubber duck at https://natureattheconfluence.com/ to support the organization and for a chance to win a prize.
Background Information:
Natural Land Institute launched the Legacy Tree Program in January 2024. Anyone may nominate a tree on private or public land from NLI’s 12 county region. To see monthly stories, for more information and a nomination form visit: https://www.naturalland.org/nlis-legacy-tree-program-january/ or call 815-964-6666.
NLI, an accredited land trust, is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit land conservation organization based in Rockford, IL and has protected 19,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals. For more information and to donate visit: www.NaturalLand.org.
