Mid City Times

Three new trees have been added to Fort Worth's Heritage Tree program during the Texas Arbor Day ceremonies. The program, managed by the Park & Recreation Department’s Forestry Section, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of trees as a living resource for the community.

The 2024 class of Heritage Trees includes:

A giant Arizona ash located in the Crestline Area, aged between 60-70 years. Although not old by general tree standards, it is considered ancient for its species. Ash trees face threats from an invasive pest known as emerald ash borer (EAB), which was first discovered in Tarrant County in 2018. This particular Arizona ash grows on land that once served as Historic Camp Bowie's division headquarters during World War I.

The bur oak at the east end of Tarrant County Courthouse was planted to mark the start of the third millennium on January 1, 2001. The Fort Worth Millennium Committee organized this installation with support from local schoolchildren and civic leaders. Karen Barr, wife of then-mayor Kenneth Barr, stated: “The roots of this tree symbolize our past and our heritage. The leaves represent future growth — the growth that today’s children will bring about in the next century.”

Lastly, a live oak at Texas Christian University stands proudly on campus grounds near Reed Hall. This tree was transplanted by TCU's Class of 1912 and is recognized as "Original Oak," marking it as a significant part of TCU's history since its establishment on its current campus site.