Features
With limbs stretched out like octopus tentacles, an old Bur Oak tree stands along the edge of a country road in Boone, Mo.
This Midwestern Bur Oak holds the title “co-champion” with another Bur Oak in Woodford, Ky., for being the largest of its species.
Folks passionate about nature can find photos of the old oak in the 2010 National Register of Big Trees Calendar, which features pictures of champion trees. The non-profit, conservation organization American Forests publishes the calendar and has maintained a National Register of Big Trees since 1940.
Va. ancient forest preserved
Gourd festival set for Nov. 7-8
Big tree calendar marks each month with unique champions
Edwin Edler
Roughly 380 acres along the Nottoway River are now preserved as Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
(Photo: Gary P. Fleming © VA DCR)
Gail Ratliffe planted a few gourd seeds several years ago.
Now, Ratliffe creates artwork using raw gourds and joined the Virginia Gourd Festival
Now in its eighth year, the Virginia Gourd Festival will be held Nov. 7-8 in Middletown, Va.
Raw gourds
(Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lovers’ Gourd Society)
Edwin Edler, 45, enjoys working and operates a lawn-care business.
Several years ago, Edler had a successful career as a nuclear electrician. But a motorcycle accident in 2005 left the Virginia. native a paraplegic.
Businessman strong on faith
Save 10% now.
Use coupon code “Grower10.”
The 2010 National Register of Big Trees Calendar features 12 champions. (Photo courtesy of The Davey Tree Expert Company)
