Burmis Tree facts for kids
The Burmis Tree is a very old and special limber pine tree in Alberta, Canada. It stands near the town of Burmis, Alberta, along the Crowsnest Highway. Even though the tree died many years ago, it's still standing tall! People in the area have worked hard to keep it upright because it's become a beloved symbol of their community.
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The Amazing Burmis Tree
The Burmis Tree is a type of tree called a limber pine. These trees are known for being super tough! They can live for a very long time, even in harsh weather. The Burmis Tree itself was estimated to be between 600 and 750 years old. Imagine, it was growing hundreds of years before your grandparents were born!
A Tree That Lived for Centuries
The Burmis Tree sadly died in the late 1970s. This happened when it lost all its needles. Even after it died, the tree stayed standing. Limber pines are some of the oldest trees in Alberta. The Burmis Tree was a true ancient wonder, having lived for many centuries.
A Community's Dedication
In 1998, a strong wind blew the Burmis Tree over. But the people living nearby didn't want to see it gone. They quickly got together to help! Staff from Alberta Culture, Historic Sites, used special stainless steel rods and brackets to help the tree stand tall again.
A few years later, in 2004, some people damaged one of the tree's main branches. Once again, the local community stepped in. They fixed the branch with glue and even added a prop pole to support it.
When a new section of Highway 3 was planned, the community worked hard to make sure the road went around the tree. They didn't want this important symbol to be destroyed. Their efforts paid off, and the highway was built to protect the tree.
A Symbol of History
Today, the Burmis Tree is the main point of interest in what was once a busy town. It stands as a reminder of the past and a testament to the community's care. It shows how much people can value and protect a natural landmark.
