New Oak Tree Planted at Reservation

Patch that a new oak tree would be planted near the "Sentinal Oak," as it was known to park-goers—a giant of the species that lived for over 400 years in the Meadow, an area of the

In 2007, a microburst storm blew through the area, damaging the pine forest lining the entrance to the park from Route 121 and splitting the old oak that fell in several pieces to the ground, changing forever the landscape that greeted hundreds of visitors to the nature preserve each year.

The planting was made possible through donations from the Leatherman's Loop race organization and an individual participating runner, HBO Television, which filmed "Boardwalk Empire" at the reservation; the Friends of the Trailside museum, will assume some related costs, accoring to Tom Cohn, a board member.

Ciorsdan Conran, a South Salem resident, attended and documented the planting, held on April 10. A commemorative celebration will be held in May, say representatives of the Friends of the Trailside Museum.

In the meantime, take a look at the raising of the 18-year-old white oak tree in its new home.