Bland Oak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bland Oak |
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The oak tree in 2016
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| Species | Live oak (Quercus virginiana) |
| Location | Carramar, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°52′47″S 150°57′42″E / 33.8797°S 150.9617°E |
| Date seeded | Late 1830s |
| Custodian | William Bland (planter) Fairfield City Council |
The Bland Oak, also known as Bland's Oak Tree, is a very old and special tree in Sydney, Australia. It is a type of tree called a Southern live oak. This amazing tree is over 170 years old! This makes it one of the oldest living trees in Sydney. It is also one of the biggest trees in the area.
The Bland Oak is very important to the local area. It is a historic symbol for the Fairfield City Council. You can even see the oak tree on Fairfield City's coat of arms.
Contents
What is the Bland Oak Like?
This famous tree was planted in 1842 by William Bland. He was a politician, farmer, and inventor. The Bland Oak was once the largest tree in all of Australia.
A Stormy Night
Sadly, a big storm hit on New Year's Day in 1941. The storm caused the huge tree to split into two parts. Even after this, the Bland Oak is still the largest of its kind in Sydney.
What Happened to the Wood?
The wood from the broken parts of the tree was not wasted. It was collected and carved into a special chair. This chair is called the Mayoral chair. You can see it today at the Fairfield City Museum & Gallery in Smithfield.
Where Can You Find It?
The Bland Oak stands tall in Oakdene Park in the suburb of Carramar. The park is located on Bland Street. The tree is about 13 meters (43 feet) tall. Its branches spread out more than 30 meters (98 feet) wide. Its wide canopy and sprawling crowns provide lots of shade.
Why is the Bland Oak Important?
The Bland Oak is very important to the local community. In 2013, the Fairfield Council agreed that the tree was locally important. They included it in their Local Environmental Plan.
Recognizing its Value
Fairfield mayor Frank Carbone wanted the tree to be recognized across Australia. He suggested it should be added to a national list. The Fairfield Council plans to ask the National Trust of Australia to list the tree on the National Register of Significant Trees.
Mayor Carbone said the tree is special because of its age. He also mentioned its unique shape and how rare it is. He believes it tells an important story about the area's history. The tree stands as a landmark next to Prospect Creek.
New Bland Oaks Growing
In March 2020, people collected Acorns from the Bland Oak. These acorns were then planted. The goal is to grow about 10 new "Bland Oaks" across the city. This will help keep the tree's legacy alive for future generations.
Gallery
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Oakdene Park entrance sign with tree in background
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The tree up close
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Whole view of tree at dusk
