Encinitas CA— The Encinitas Historical Society is offering residents an opportunity to share a photo of their favorite tree in Encinitas with awards going to the photographers whose photos get the highest number of votes.
Area residents are encouraged to join in “honoring” special trees located in Encinitas by capturing their beauty and uniqueness with their cameras. Send a digital image (limit one per person) to Carolyn Cope at cope3@cox.net along with name, contact information and the location of the tree no later than Wednesday, April 20. A hard copy of the picture may also be mailed (no bigger than 8 ½ x 11) to the Encinitas Historical Society, c/o 47 McNeill Ave. in Encinitas.
The contest was inspired by an incident in January; “During that horrific wind and rainstorm the weekend of January 23 and 24, I lost a childhood “friend.” Planted in 1883, the main cypress on the Derby House property—which I grew up admiring for literally my whole life—succumbed to the brutal wind. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the only damage was to the corner of the garage. Encinitas and our entire region lost some pretty spectacular trees that weekend.” wrote Carolyn Roy Cope, President, Encinitas Historical Society “I have many photos of my favorite cypress in my camera. I have also painted this lovely tree with a sunset background more than once for the Arts Alive banner program. It was always the focus point of my sunset pictures. I miss it. I suspect many others in our city have a favorite tree also, so for this reason the Historical Society decided to “honor” our special trees by capturing them in a photo.”
“We want to celebrate Encinitans’ love of trees,” explains Carolyn. “Your favorite might be on the corner of your property, in one of our many parks or along a favorite hiking path.”
Carolyn explained, “The City of Encinitas has already identified two special heritage trees. The first to be identified in 2010 is the Cock Spar Coral reportedly planted in 1929 at the crest of Requeza Street. The second tree identified in 2011 is the Norfolk Island pine or star pine at C Street and 4th Street, also known as Encinitas’ annual Christmas tree. This pine is now 66 years old. Letʼs face it, we love our trees, and we strive to protect them the best way we can. All of the trees in this area were planted by humans. The only native trees were the los encinitos, from which our city was named. It was not particularly a statuesque tree. It really was a scrub oak found along paths of running water like Cottonwood Creek or in the Batiquitos Lagoon area.”
Everyone is encouraged to visit the Encinitas Street Fair the weekend of April 23-24, stop by the historical society booth at F Street, view the entries and vote for their favorite tree photo. The awards party will be Friday, April 29 from 5 to 7 pm at the 1883 Schoolhouse on the corner of F Street and 4th Street.
For any questions, please call Carolyn Cope at (760) 753-4834.