Every now and then our Rangers come across a tree that makes us stop and wonder.

Trees like the massive River Red gums along Wodonga’s waterways, whose 800+ years age is awe-inspiring. What have these trees witnessed across the centuries? 

Trees with markings and scars, with strange growth and twisted shapes. What tools, what chattels did this tree provide? What did these alterations signify, and to whom? 

Trees with bulbous bases, growths and protuberances that make us wonder – what caused that? 

Trees with cracks and crevices and hollows. Who lives there? 

This magnificent example of a significant tree is one of many we have met in our Regional Parks. Aside from our marvelling and wondering, and taking – and sharing – a photo or two, these trees are not officially recorded anywhere. Their significance goes unacknowledged in our modern world, leaving them open to all the threats of development and climate change. 

Perhaps a remedy is to register local trees with the National Trust Significant Tree register, which has over 2500 tree records compiled by the National Trusts across Australia. Anyone can nominate an individual tree, a stand or avenue of trees, or a plantation for their heritage values. 

There appear to be no records on the Trusttrees.org.au site for Wodonga, so what are we all waiting for? Let’s start nominating!