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If this tree did it, so can you!

By Jennifer Fivelsdal

Real Estate Broker/Owner with JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 10491201242

July 22, 2008 02:55 AM

I love to take a walk now and then on the grounds of Bard college. One of my favorite spots is the manicured lawn and gardens of the Levy Economic Institute. Blithewood was another lovely Hudson Valley Mansion with great views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.

Blithewood - Levy Institute at Bard College s

This post however is not about this ideal setting, but rather about a tree that seems so out of place but you can't help but love it.

From the plaque erected in front of the tree it is believed that this tree has been around 350 years and is most likely the oldest tree on the campus.

Take a look and you will see just what I mean.

Plaque of oldest tree at Bard

With the economic downturn many might feel as if they are living through a drought , a fire, or even being struck by lightening however like this tree it is possible to be a survivor especially with some help from friends.

When I took a closer look at the tree, I was amazed that it was still standing but I also noticed some reinforcements in the form of screws and some concrete was applied. Yes people around saw how much this tree wanted to live so a helping hand was extended.

Tree at Bard College

Trunk of oldest tree at Bard College

Trunk of tree at Bard

Tree on Bard Campus

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Brian - That is true with a helping hand we can get through a rough period.

Barb - You would enjoy your trip to Bard. Have you seen the Fisher Center?

Carol - I don't want to think about the knee and hip stuff, that is the part of growing older that will not appeal to me.

Chris - I can't imagine destroying old trees.

Jul 22, 2008 02:26 PM

Vicki Burton

Southport Realty-Southport, North Carolina - Southport, NC

A local Buyer's Agent - Southport NC Real Estate

Jennifer ... thanks for sharing this ... it's amazing a tree that size can sustain itself with so little.

Jul 23, 2008 12:36 AM

Patrice Estess

PB APPRAISALS - Kerhonkson, NY

Jennifer, sounds inspirational to me...I too will survive these times...I keep reminding myself of this!!

Jul 23, 2008 07:51 AM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Vicki- At first when you see this on a well manicured lawn your first thought is why is it there? When you get closer you are filled with admiration.

Patrice - We all have to keep going, maintaining a positive attitude is key.

Jul 23, 2008 01:01 PM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

Jennifer, that tree is just beckoning the parents of kids in college to look into investment opportunities there. Great photos.

Jul 23, 2008 02:35 PM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Laurie - The college would love that.

Jul 23, 2008 03:12 PM

Gita Bantwal

RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA

REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Jennifer, I love the lawn Great pictures. I sold a house once and it had a similar tree close to the house . I was scared it might fall over the roof and made sure I pointed it out to the buyers. They are landscapers and they bought the house. They have cut it down .

Jul 23, 2008 10:27 PM

Yvette Smith

LONG & FOSTER - Williamsburg, VA

Realtor In Williamsburg VA, Homes for Sale

HI JENNIFER!

Those are great pics, especially of the tree! Thanks for sharing.

Have a fab day!

Jul 23, 2008 10:55 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Jennifer, That tree is so beautiful, I am so glad they're giving it a helping hand to survive. I would hate to lose that beautiful site (and I can't believe it survived through all that!).

Jul 24, 2008 12:02 AM

Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi

Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY

Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

Hey jennifer, Great story and inspiration in this economy. Thanks for sharing.

Jul 24, 2008 12:12 AM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Gita - I don't think anyone would like to see this tree go it is such an good example of a survivor.

Yvette -My pleasure.

Carole - It has spunk! and that is why I thought there was a lesson to learn.

Paddy - You are welcome.

Jul 24, 2008 02:10 AM

Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe

LivingInBirmingham.com - Birmingham, AL

Jennifer, how cool is that! You have gotten me thinking here lately about those things in a community that make it a community, but would otherwise not make it into a history book. Surely this testament to being "well rooted" shows what it takes to have a long lasting impact.

Jul 24, 2008 04:00 AM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Stephen - Yes there is so much to discover. In this case this tree will not last for ever but it sure provided a great story and lesson.

Jul 28, 2008 05:14 PM

Billnulls Blog Florida Realty Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

AHWD

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing! I was born in the Catskills - haven't been there in YEARS!

Jul 29, 2008 06:15 AM

Karen Rice Keller Williams Real Est

Keller Williams Real Estate - Hawley, PA

Northeast PA & Lake Wallenpaupack Home Sales

What an inspiration. Reminds me a bit of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Dec 10, 2008 12:33 AM

Tanya Venable

Orlando, FL

SEO, Mobile SEO, and Internet Marketing Consultant

Jennifer, those are amazing pictures along with such an inspirational story. Nature is so wonderous.

Dec 15, 2008 08:40 AM

Caren Wallace

Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR

Portland Caren Real Estate

That tree reminds me of the Little Engine that Could! I think I can, I think I can!!!

Dec 15, 2008 11:35 PM

Debra Kukulski, Broker Associate

RE/MAX Suburban - Cary, IL

SRES;SFR,CDPE;GRI;ABR;e-PRO Realtor, Northern IL

How interesting and I love the comparison with you made with the economic turn down. Trees do not worry, they just live in the moment and that is a good lesson for us, too. Live in the moment (with still making plans for the future and being productive) and live each day to it's fullest. Great inspirational post!

Dec 19, 2008 06:06 AM

Gena Riede

Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792 - Sacramento, CA

Real Estate Broker - Sacramento CA Real Estate (916) 417-2699

Jennifer, glad that folks saw the need and helped instead of destroying 350 years of life. This is SOME tree!

Dec 24, 2008 03:29 AM

Mary Strang

Viroqua, WI

Jennifer, That is a truly amazing tree! Merry Christmas on the eve...

Dec 24, 2008 08:28 AM