Village Seeks To Honor History Of Fallen 235-Year-Old Oak Tree

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — An intense storm at the end of May felled the Merwin Oak in Vassallo Park. Now village officials are seeking input from residents on how to honor the historic landmark.

The tree was a swamp white oak, which can live more than 300 years. This one had been officially recognized by the National Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture in 1987. It was at least 235 years old, village officials said Wednesday.

Village officials are working with professionals to repurpose wood from the Merwin Oak and memorialize its significance to the Croton community, and they want ideas from residents.

To share your thoughts, go to the ‘Send Us Comments’ link on the village website and select ‘Merwin Oak Thoughts’ from the drop-down menu. The deadline for submissions is June 30.