Arkansas Forestry Exhibit at State Capitol This Summer
06-11-2008(LITTLE ROCK, AR)—Secretary of State Charlie Daniels today announced the summer 2008 State Capitol exhibit, Of Memories and Trees, which will examine Arkansas’s rural and urban forests and those who have made them their business.
From the late 1800s to today, Arkansas’s forest industries have contributed significantly to the state’s economy by producing fuel, timber, and raw materials from hundreds of thousands of acres. For many Arkansans, however, forestry means aesthetics in civic landscapes, public parks and recreation areas, as well as the provision of habitat for wildlife.
Both constituencies are linked by the recognition of exceptional trees based on rarity, size, particular beauty, or historical associations. In 1997, the Arkansas Famous and Historic Trees Program was established to build awareness of and appreciation for the state’s notable arboreal citizens.
Of Memories and Trees features thirty-three such trees and tree communities enrolled on the program’s register. Rare images of forestry reproduced from vintage glass lantern slides illustrate the early days of the Arkansas timber industry. Tools of loggers, arborists, and forest rangers show the wide range of equipment, from simple to complex, used in the woods. A highlight of the exhibit is a five-foot-wide “cookie,” or complete cross-sectional slice, of the nation’s champion (largest known or recorded) loblolly pine tree. Although high winds and age claimed it several years ago, this tree was the first nominated for the program’s registry.
Also of note to tree enthusiasts, A Walk on the Hill, a self-guided tour of the grounds and monuments, is coming soon to the Arkansas State Capitol. The informative brochure pinpointing all of the unique trees living on the historic Capitol grounds will be available by the end of the month at the Visitor Services Center located in the first floor rotunda.
“I encourage all Arkansans to make a trip to their State Capitol this summer to get a closer look at the Natural State’s offerings as presented in the forestry exhibit and in the more than 30 tree varieties located on the grounds of our majestic building,” Daniels said.
The Arkansas forestry exhibit will remain on view in the Capitol’s first-floor display cases from June 13 through August from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Photo:
This five-foot-wide cookie, or cross-sectional slice, of the largest known or recorded loblolly pine tree in the nation marks important historical dates in the Arkansas pine’s life.