I love to take a walk now and then on the grounds of Bard college. One of my favorite spots is the manicured lawn and gardens of the Levy Economic Institute. Blithewood was another lovely Hudson Valley Mansion with great views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.
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This post however is not about this ideal setting, but rather about a tree that seems so out of place but you can't help but love it.
From the plaque erected in front of the tree it is believed that this tree has been around 350 years and is most likely the oldest tree on the campus.
Take a look and you will see just what I mean.
With the economic downturn many might feel as if they are living through a drought , a fire, or even being struck by lightening however like this tree it is possible to be a survivor especially with some help from friends.
When I took a closer look at the tree, I was amazed that it was still standing but I also noticed some reinforcements in the form of screws and some concrete was applied. Yes people around saw how much this tree wanted to live so a helping hand was extended.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com
www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com
Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-If this tree did it, so can you
Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com
www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com



Great photos and a great message also. We all need to learn to survive with less and with a better attitude!
Jennifer, This was a very good post. Thank you for sharing the story of this old tree.
Wow that really is amazing! Mother Nature is awesome!!!
Your Friend in Charlottesville!
Jennifer, interesting story, it reminds me of the saying "God helps those who help themselves". I guess it also applies to trees.
Jennifer, I like the way you applied the story of the tree to us REALTORS. With a little help from our friends, we will be survivors!
Jennifer- Wow this is amazing 350 years old. I love the way you related it to lifer- You are right we can all survive- with the help of determination and friends- I have to get to Bard Collage and see this for myself- Thanks
Jennifer - Just like some people need knee and hip replacements (like I do), this tree is held togetehr with screws an concrete! Now that's a good tree surgeon!
Jennifer: I like this post's message. And the tree looks like it has a lot of character. One of the more depressing things I've heard from our local government is that they want to clear Manassas Battlefield Park, and make it look like it might have during the Civil War. Are they kidding? Can you imagine the lovely trees that have grown in those 200+ years? I think it's a shame that anyone would consider it.
John - You are so right, many are now learning to adjust to tougher economic times, having a good attitude will be helpful with the transition. Glad you appreciated the shots.
Jimmy - Thank you.
Charles - It is such a fascinating old tree.
Peter - I think we all like people who keep going even under adverse condition. I could really appreciate this old tree and it's spunk.
Jennifer that tree is a true survivor, and we all could take a lesson in life from it.
Brian - That is true with a helping hand we can get through a rough period.
Barb - You would enjoy your trip to Bard. Have you seen the Fisher Center?
Carol - I don't want to think about the knee and hip stuff, that is the part of growing older that will not appeal to me.
Chris - I can't imagine destroying old trees.
Jennifer ... thanks for sharing this ... it's amazing a tree that size can sustain itself with so little.
Jennifer, sounds inspirational to me...I too will survive these times...I keep reminding myself of this!!
Vicki- At first when you see this on a well manicured lawn your first thought is why is it there? When you get closer you are filled with admiration.
Patrice - We all have to keep going, maintaining a positive attitude is key.
Jennifer, that tree is just beckoning the parents of kids in college to look into investment opportunities there. Great photos.
Laurie - The college would love that.
Jennifer, I love the lawn Great pictures. I sold a house once and it had a similar tree close to the house . I was scared it might fall over the roof and made sure I pointed it out to the buyers. They are landscapers and they bought the house. They have cut it down .
HI JENNIFER!
Those are great pics, especially of the tree! Thanks for sharing.
Have a fab day!
Jennifer, That tree is so beautiful, I am so glad they're giving it a helping hand to survive. I would hate to lose that beautiful site (and I can't believe it survived through all that!).
Hey jennifer, Great story and inspiration in this economy. Thanks for sharing.
Gita - I don't think anyone would like to see this tree go it is such an good example of a survivor.
Yvette -My pleasure.
Carole - It has spunk! and that is why I thought there was a lesson to learn.
Paddy - You are welcome.
Jennifer, how cool is that! You have gotten me thinking here lately about those things in a community that make it a community, but would otherwise not make it into a history book. Surely this testament to being "well rooted" shows what it takes to have a long lasting impact.
Stephen - Yes there is so much to discover. In this case this tree will not last for ever but it sure provided a great story and lesson.
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing! I was born in the Catskills - haven't been there in YEARS!
What an inspiration. Reminds me a bit of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Jennifer, those are amazing pictures along with such an inspirational story. Nature is so wonderous.
That tree reminds me of the Little Engine that Could! I think I can, I think I can!!!
How interesting and I love the comparison with you made with the economic turn down. Trees do not worry, they just live in the moment and that is a good lesson for us, too. Live in the moment (with still making plans for the future and being productive) and live each day to it's fullest. Great inspirational post!
Jennifer, glad that folks saw the need and helped instead of destroying 350 years of life. This is SOME tree!
Jennifer, That is a truly amazing tree! Merry Christmas on the eve...