 |
| Eastern White Pines |
If you look at a forested hillside almost anywhere in the northeast,
you'll probably see eastern white pines poking up through the canopy and
towering over the surrounding trees. We tend to take those pines for
granted; they're just part of the natural landscape.
But 400
years ago, stands of huge, primeval New England white pines were highly
valued by the English Crown, the finest being axe-marked as the “King’s
pines”. They were sorely needed for ship masts, and were the primary
motivation in sending colonists to these shores, eventually sparking the
American Revolution. Their importance didn't wane post-revolution; on
the contrary, they were integral to the building of much of the eastern
United States through the following century. It's a cogent story.
 |
| "King's Pine" |
And that story is told in "Eastern White Pine - the Tree Rooted in
American History", our one-hour documentary film that uses vintage
images, current footage, and soaring aerial views to tell the 4-century
tale of the pine's critical contribution to America's founding and
history. You may be surprised to learn how the white pine is woven
through the fabric of this country's formation.
|
| Eastern White Pine Logs |
Today, the white pine still is economically important, but it's much appreciated for its ecological role too. A number of wildlife species are dependent on pines; some are described in the film, from birds to bears.
On Thursday evening, April 23, 2026, the film will be shown at the Simsbury (CT.) Public Library, co-sponsored by Simsbury Grange, Simsbury Land Trust, Real Art Ways, and the library.
In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the event begins at 6pm with a reception featuring pine needle tea and other treats.
Admission is free, although pre-registration (here) is required.
There will be a Q&A session following the film.
