JANUARY 10, 2006
Two
years ago on this day, tree sitter John Quigley was removed from a 400 year old oak tree in Santa Clarita California. John, with a support team around him, lived high up in this mighty oak affectionately known as
Old Glory for seventy days.
One Year ago, John stood with the head of the California EPA Terry Tamminen, founder of Tree People Andy Lipkis, and several other concerned citizens to watch the final boxing of this symbol of freedom and hope. Several tears were shed as the inevitable move of Old Glory was to begin. Today, there is a movement afoot to have a national tree sit to bring attention to the plight of our trees. This all came about because of one tree Old Glory.
How can anyone be so callous as to run the risk of destroying that which has been here longer than the Pilgrims descendents? I visited the tree for the fifth time, and perhaps last in January last year. I have offered prayers for John, for the tree, for the developer, for the community, and for wisdom for the whole process.
On that day I simply reflected upon the agony of Chief Seattle who saw 2 million acres of his land sold for 150,000 dollars to the white man. Who can own the sky, the air, the water and the trees? No we are stewards, not owners of that which we did not and can not create. Developer, any developer anywhere, if you can make an oak you have the right perhaps to mess with nature, but you can not make even an acorn so leave the old heritage trees, and the old growth trees alone.
One tree sit is not enough. John and Julia Butterfly encourage all to use this story to teach others around the nation of our cherished inheritance from natures bounty. Protect that which you love, even if it is just one tree in your neighborhood.
--Peter