Descendants of an Annapolis tree that patriots gathered beneath during the unrest around the Stamp Act of 1765 will be planted in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.
Leading up to the American Revolution, groups like the Sons of Liberty met beneath Liberty Trees throughout the 13 colonies to map out the future of what would become the United States of America.
Maryland’s original Liberty Tree was a tulip poplar near what is now St. John’s College in Annapolis. At more than 120 feet tall, it was one of the nation’s largest tulip poplars before it was lost during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Roots from that tree were preserved and used to make objects, like crosses gifted to Pope Francis and King Charles III and a gavel in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House.
Now, trees descended from Annapolis’ original Liberty Tree will be planted throughout the state as part of the Maryland Liberty Tree Project.
“Foresters think in generations,”Maryland State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang said in a statement. “The trees we plant today will provide benefits for people and wildlife for decades to come. The Liberty Tree Project allows us to honor Maryland’s history while creating lasting community assets that future generations will enjoy and care for.”
The project will also support Maryland’s goal of planting 5 million native trees by 2031. So far, more than 1.5 million trees have been planted as part of that effort.
Marylanders who want to help restore the state’s native tree canopy can plant and register eligible native trees on their own property. They can also host or participate in local planting events, or get coupons for discounted native trees at participating nurseries through programs like Marylanders Plant Trees.
Residents or organizations who want to suggest a planting site can contact their local tree planting specialist.
