Ocean Springs Tree Tales...

Ocean Springs Tree Tales.... . , Older trees among our urban forest have borne witness to the rich history and growth of this Ocean Springs community. , Native Americans appreciated the abundant natural resources and tall trees of this area long before French settlers arrived in 1699. Ocean Springs trees have watched this town grow inward from bluffs at the foot of Jackson Avenue, where steamboats and schooners brought visitors. Trees have watched as houses and hotels were constructed up Jackson and Washington Avenues to accommodate the town's growth and visitors. , As railway became the popular mode of transportation, trees watched the city grow north toward the L and N Depot, a city hub for commerce and social information. As cars replaced horses and carriages, our trees provided shade to all. , Though many trees have been lost to fire, hurricanes and urban development, Ocean Springs trees are valued and beloved for the beauty, natural filtering, and protection they provide as iconic elements contributing to the unique beauty of our Ocean Springs. , This gnarly old Cedar tree growing near the foot of Jackson Avenue has weathered and witnessed much during its long life. , A basic formula for determining the age of a Cedar is to measure the tree trunk's diameter in inches at about 4 1/2 feet high, and then divide that number by 0.36. , Using that formula, how old do you think this Ocean Springs Cedar tree might be?, This informational sign is part of a community project led by the Historic Ocean Springs Association, and is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. , We thank the City of Ocean Springs for their support of this project.