The Dawning of Conservation at Michigan State University

News Summary

Michigan State University is home to a remarkable dawn redwood tree, a symbol of resilience and conservation. Once thought to be extinct, the tree has thrived since its planting in 1954. The university’s dedication to biodiversity is evident as they nurture these extraordinary trees, allowing future generations to appreciate their significance. Despite challenges like lightning strikes, the dawn redwood remains a living testament to nature’s tenacity, drawing admiration from visitors to the Beal Botanical Garden.

East Lansing’s Marvel: The Dawning of Conservation at Michigan State University

In the heart of East Lansing, Michigan, a remarkable tree stands as a living testament to resilience and conservation at Michigan State University’s revered Beal Botanical Garden. The dawn redwood, a tree that was once thought to be nothing more than a relic of the past, has taken root in the area for nearly seven decades. Since its planting in 1954, this green giant has grown to an impressive height of approximately 86 feet and boasts a diameter of 3.9 feet.

From Extinction to Existence

Every twist and turn of this tree’s story is more riveting than a page-turner novel. The dawn redwood was once believed to be extinct for around 5 million years. It wasn’t until the early 1940s that scientists made a stunning discovery in central China, finding a small population of these ancient trees alive and well! With a fossil history stretching back more than 100 million years, the dawn redwood previously roamed the landscapes of North America, making its rediscovery a momentous occasion for both the scientific community and nature lovers everywhere.

A Personal Touch at MSU

After the dawn redwood’s rediscovery, Michigan State University wasted no time contributing to its revival by planting one of these extraordinary trees on their campus just a decade later. This act wasn’t mere decoration; it symbolized hope and a commitment to biodiversity preservation. Fast forward to today, and more than 60 dawn redwoods can be found gracing the university grounds, making it a special spot for visitors and students to appreciate these marvelous life forms.

A Tree’s Trials

Life, however, has not been without its challenges for the iconic dawn redwood at MSU. In the 1990s, it fell victim to a lightning strike that tragically removed the top 20 feet of the tree in 2017, shortening what was once a majestic height of over 100 feet. Nevertheless, these setbacks haven’t dampened the spirit of this remarkable tree, which continues to draw attention and admiration.

Michigan’s Big Tree Registry

For tree enthusiasts, the dawn redwoods at MSU are part of a larger narrative. Eleven dawn redwoods have earned their spots on the Michigan Big Tree Register, with the tallest measuring an eye-popping 106 feet in Holland. Meanwhile, the record for the widest trunk belongs to another in Jackson, boasting a diameter of 4.8 feet. While dawn redwoods can achieve heights of up to 140 feet and diameters of 6 feet in their native lands, none have quite yet reached those majestic stats in Michigan!

A Lesson in Longevity

Interestingly, although the dawn redwood can live to be around 250 years old, it is still a relative short-timer compared to its kin, the coast redwood and giant sequoia, which can survive for thousands of years. As one of only three sequoia species known to exist, the dawn redwood offers unique characteristics, including an elegant pyramid shape, rapid growth, and spectacular foliage that changes color and sheds its needle-like leaves come autumn. Its reddish-brown bark and heartwood give it the beautiful name ‘redwood,’ and it stands as a scenic reminder of nature’s tenacity.

Conservation Efforts at MSU

Michigan State University is dedicated to nurturing not only this incredible dawn redwood tree but the broader mission of biodiversity preservation through the cultivation of various rare plants. This commitment ensures that future generations will appreciate the beauty and significance of such extraordinary organisms.

Conclusion

So next time you stroll through Beal Botanical Garden, stop and admire the dawn redwood. You’re not just looking at a tree; you’re witnessing a living piece of history, a powerful story of survival and conservation, and a symbol of hope for our planet’s future.

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Additional Resources

• MLive: MSU’s Big Dawn Redwood Struck by Lightning
• Wikipedia: Dawn Redwood
• MLive: Once Thought Extinct Dawn Redwoods
• Google Search: Dawn Redwoods
• MLive: Get Your Dawn Redwood and Other Big Trees
• Google Scholar: Dawn Redwood Conservation
• WKFR: Raising Cane’s East Lansing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dawn Redwood
• WKFR: East Lansing Human Trafficking
• Google News: Dawn Redwood