Writing about our George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse, Nancy Dorman Hickson said: “Kids instinctively understand the magic of a tree house.” But many people over the years—not just kids—have felt the magic of our treehouse and its impressive, three-trunked Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata). Unfortunately, the oak reached the end of its life this year. The structure remains sound and is now re-opened, although it certainly lost some of its magic with the death of the oak.

As you can see in the photograph below, the structure endured significant flooding over the years. Today, the wetland stays underwater, typically for a month or two each winter. Generally, Overcup oaks don’t thrive in wetlands, and we suspect this one died due to the increased frequency of flooding. We have removed the tree’s canopy and hope to keep the structure open for a few more years as we continue with our Framework plan before removing it. We have challenged our architects to integrate elements of the treehouse into our plans.

This year, we plan to celebrate 24 years of discovery and wonder by compiling and sharing memories from the community.

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

Shown above, you can see the Treehouse over the years. The photo on the left shares an extreme flood shortly after construction. The photo on the right shows what the Treehouse looks like today now that the Overcup oak’s canopy has been removed.

Want to learn more about the Treehouse’s journey? Check out this blog to read on.