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Bidwell Era Cedar Removed

It's always sad to see a big tree go, especially when it has a bit of interesting history. On Friday, Jan. 16, a 75-foot-tall incense cedar was removed from campus. The tree (top right) stood near Tehama Hall on Warner Street and was part of a long row of cedars believed to be planted by General John Bidwell. According to Mark Stemen, Geography and Planning professor and member of the CSU, Chico Arboretum Committee, a count made on one section of trunk that had not rotted away showed 143 rings, which means the tree was planted around 1861.

Arborists kept a watchful eye on the tree for several years; dead limbs were periodically removed. Inspection of the downed trunk showed decay at the center (below right); the roots were also damaged. A new incense cedar will be planted near the same spot at noon on Monday, April 19, during Founder's Week.