Goochland launches Witness Tree Challenge for America’s 250th

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Goochland is making time travel possible just in time for America's 250th birthday.

The county has invited students to participate in its Witness Tree Challenge to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by finding trees that have been alive since 1776.

By finding these witness trees that stood tall through significant historical events shaping America, participants will have the chance to observe the history we read about in books, organizers said.

"These ancient trees are like nature's history books--they might have bullet marks from long-ago battles or carved survey markings," wrote organizers with the county. "When you stand next to a witness tree, you're touching something that was actually there hundreds of years ago, watching history happen!"

To participate, students can locate and document trees in Goochland County that are at least 250 years old, following these steps:

• Measure the tree's circumference using a string, twine or tape measure
• Identify the type of tree
• Record the location (address or GPS coordinates)
• Take a photo of the tree
• Obtain permission from landowners if on private property
• Submit the information using this Google Form

A professional forester will then authenticate and determine the tree's age by extracting a core sample using an increment borer, the county said.

Students who successfully complete the challenge will be honored at a board of supervisors meeting and at the county's special Arbor Day celebration on April 24. Submission deadline is March 1.

For more information, visit VA 250 American Revolution or email Witnesstree@goochlandhistory.org.