Decision made on future of Twin Oaks field

SHARON — The Sharon Land Trust has tabulated the results of its poll on determining the replacement of the downed twin oak. More than 200 responses were received.“We are pleased to announce that the winner, receiving 66 percent of the votes, was to purchase a pair of smaller white oaks.” said Larry Power, president of the land trust.Four options were offered: • Replace the fallen oak with the largest oak that could be moved to the site, one with a trunk about 17 inches in diameter and a root ball of about 9 feet. The remaining oak’s trunk is 6 feet in diameter; the two trees would definitely not be twins. • Replace the fallen oak with a smaller tree with better chance of surviving but looking very, very small from Route 41. • Replace it with two smaller trees that will be twin oaks when the larger tree dies — which could be 100 years from now. • Place a memorial bench or benches on the site with a plaque. The bench or benches would have been made from the downed white oak. White oak is the only native wood that resists deterioration when left out in the elements.Bruce Bennett of the Kent Greenhouse, who has extensive experience moving and planting large trees, volunteered to find a matching pair of 8-inch caliper (trunk width) white oak trees. He is supplying the trees at his cost and will transfer, plant, stake and guarantee the trees, as well as supply a 1,500-gallon tank for watering the trees for the first year or two. The Sharon Fire Department will provide the water.Over the next few weeks the land trust will fly balloons, clearly seen from Route 41, to identify the best location for the trees.The total cost of acquiring, moving and planting the trees, as well as removing the huge 250-year-old fallen oak, is estimated to be $20,000, Power said. “Public support will be necessary in order to finance the project,” he added.To honor large contributors, a bronze plaque listing donors of $1,000 or more will be placed at the entrance to the Twin Oaks’ field. Power said that the land trust is set up to own this field in perpetuity and wants to guarantee that twin oaks will always be there. Any excess funds will be put in a dedicated fund for future maintenance of the field and the trees. It is the intention of the trust that the plaque will also always remain in the field.“There is very little in life that attempts to ensure donor recognition for all time. This is a grand effort and we hope major donors will make it succeed,” Power said. Contributions can be sent by mail to Sharon Land Trust, PO Box 1027, Sharon, CT 06069, or thru Pay Pal online at www.sharonlandtrust.org.— Rebekah Gerard, Executive Director, Sharon Land Trust