First 2009 Treasured Tree

Yesterday I visited the Corcoran family to take some pictures of their wonderful White Oak tree, the first 2009 Treasured Tree in Verona. The approximately 125 years old, 80 feet tall tree belongs to Eugene and Marie Corcoran and it is located in their front yard at 92 Pease Avenue.

Mrs. Corcoran welcomed everybody with lemonade and appetizers on the porch. She mentioned that 45 years ago, when they moved in the tree was already beautiful. They certainly took good care of it.

White Oaks are native to eastern North America and specimens are known to have lived over 600 years. It is the state tree of Illinois, Connecticut and Maryland. The White Oak is the tree from which the phrase "The Mighty Oak" was coined. Advantages of the White Oak are that they are easily transplanted when young, they require very little maintenance and have a high resistance to ice breakage and oak wilt. In the fall, the leaves are rich with color, and the acorns attract an array of wildlife.

Pictured from left to right: Marykate Dougherty, AJ Farro, Tom Dougherty, Verona Mayor Teena Schwartz, Brian Farro, Owen Dougherty, homeowners Eugene Corcoran and Marie Corcoran, Brian Dougherty, Colleen Dougherty, Deputy Mayor Frank Sapienza and Jerry Shimonaski, Verona Environmental Commission Chairman. Photo by Gloria Machnowski.

The Verona Environmental Commission is expanding its Treasured Tree program and the Chairman, Jerry Shimonaski, explained:

This program recognizes beautiful, mature trees and the homeowners who care for them. These trees add great beauty to Verona and improve our environment by trapping carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants. Among Verona’s current Treasured Trees are an American Black Walnut at 14 Manor Rd., a Sycamore at 132 Sunset Ave., and a Red Oak at 42 Martin Rd. Homeowners whose trees are designated as Treasured Trees receive a plaque from the commission that they may display on their tree.

If you would like to nominate a tree to be designated as a Treasured Tree, please e-mail Mr. Shimonaski with a photo of your tree at gerard.shimonaski@comcast.net