It is with a sense of nostalgia and deep gratitude that we announce our beloved Overcup Oak has reached the end of its natural life. This tree makes up the inner heart of our George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse. Upon accessing safety and longevity, we have reopened the house structure to maintain for the next few years. Although a time will eventually come to say goodbye, these artifacts will live on in future projects.

Nestled in our wetland stands the George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse. An enchanting sight, this structure echoes the magic of childhood through beautiful craftsmanship. Stained glass works, Scottish cathedral windows, hand-carved posts, and breathtaking views combine to create a fairy-tale splendor. Even more, the true magic of this place lies in the massive, three-trunked Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) that reaches through its center as a heart, giving life.

In the woodwork, there are over 50 silhouettes of children in the fencing. These were made to honor the donors who funded the construction of the Treehouse in the early 2000s.

Constructed in October 2000, this union of tree and structure has since served as a place of discovery. It became the joyous host of environmental education programs, storytelling, puppet shows, weddings, and parties.

In 2022, signs of decline within the oak tree became apparent. Most trees of this species do not thrive in full submersion, so it likely became a victim of rising water levels. We trimmed the first dead limbs that same year and hoped the remainder of the tree would grow for many more years. However, the tree faced continual decline. The oak has come to the natural end of its life, so arborists have removed the canopy for the safety of our staff and visitors. The Treehouse itself is anchored into the ground, which means it can remain in place without the oak tree. Arborists have estimated the structure can remain open for the next few years before the trunk of the tree becomes a safety hazard. Upon assessing safety and longevity, the Treehouse is now open to the public.

Still, without the awe of the Overcup Oak, childlike wonder will live on. An oak sapling of the same species has been spotted near the gentle giant, signaling a rebirth. Years from now, after both tree and structure are gone, the mature tree will remind us of the serene centenarian we know and love today. We also will reincorporate artifacts from the Treehouse into future projects, perhaps in our new Conservation Center or immersive Canopy Walk laid out in the Framework.

We are very grateful for so many years of wonder and will carry these memories forward with joy and admiration. This year, we plan to celebrate the oak’s life by compiling and sharing memories from the community.

Have a fun photo or treehouse memory? Please share with us! Visit this form to upload images and share your stories.

share your memories