The last official event marking the end of Mineola’s sesquicentennial year took place under clear skies at the Mineola Nature Preserve last Wednesday. The Mineola Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Board dedicated a bur oak tree to commemorate the special year in Mineola’s history. 

The tree had been planted on Oct. 24 just down the slope from the main entrance. It had been graciously donated, transported and planted by Everde Growers – the large commercial nursery just east of Little Hope. Eric Hatcher, from Everde, was on hand to mark the dedication.

“A bur oak is just a great tree – strong and healthy. This young tree is old enough to give it a very good chance of flourishing here at this location,” Hatcher advised.

The board had consulted Daniel Duncum of the Texas Forestry Service in selecting the location. Soil samples were taken at a number of places around the entrance of the preserve. Good soil and a properly-drained location led the board to selection of the exact site for the planting.

Board members enthusiastically discussed how the large bur oak acorns will likely be keepsakes that folks will take with them to remember their visit to the nature preserve. The large acorns are often used in handicrafts.

Chairman Heath Kinder read a draft of the plaque which will soon be placed at the site.

On it will be featured the famous quote of Nelson Henderson, ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.’