Travilah Oak facts for kids
The Travilah Oak is a very old and large White Oak tree. You can find it in the Potomac Oak Shopping Center. This shopping center is located where Travilah Road and Glen Road meet in Travilah, Maryland.
People believe the Travilah Oak is more than 285 years old! In 2011, experts measured it. The tree's trunk was over 18 feet around. It stood 78 feet tall. Its branches spread out 108 feet in every direction.
History
The Travilah Oak and the area around it got their name from Travilah Cleggett. He was the first postmaster there. The shopping center next to the tree was built in 1979.
In 1989, the tree almost got cut down. This was because of new buildings being planned. But people in the community cared about it.
In 1997, a group called "Friends of the Travilah Oak" formed. Their goal was to protect the tree. They wanted to keep it safe for future generations. This group worked with a construction company. They built a fence, a patio, and a seating area around the big oak. Today, bright lights shine on the oak at night. Lightning rods also protect it from thunderstorms.
Travilah Oak Celebration
The big oak tree has become the main spot for the yearly Travilah Oak Celebration. Every Fall, the community comes together. They celebrate the Travilah Oak's birthday!
The celebration helps people learn about their community's history. The event has fun activities. These include hay rides and horseback vaulting shows. There is also traditional music and scarecrow building. Kids can join a pumpkin decorating contest. A magician performs tricks. You can see vintage cars. There are Indian dance and karate shows. Plus, there are hands-on nature activities and more!
A Special Tree for Maryland?
The Wye Oak fell down in 2002. Flora's Oak fell in 2008. This means there is an open spot for the Maryland State Tree. The Travilah Oak is not the oldest or biggest White Oak in Maryland. However, it is one of the healthiest. This makes it a good choice for a long-term state tree.
Travilah Oak Queen
In 2012, Ms. Rene Shaw was crowned the Travilah Oak Queen.
