When a strong summer storm uprooted the Township’s State Champion Pignut Hickory Tree in June of 2020, the Township began looking for ways to use reuse the lumber from this venerable tree. As arborists began looking at the Pignut Hickory, they counted 248 rings, which means this old tree began growing in the early 1770s.
After some discussion with the Board of Supervisors, Park and Open Space Board, and the Shade Tree Commission, it was decided that the tree should be milled and turned into park benches and tables.
The wood from the tree was milled on-site at Mermaid Park and is currently drying for future use.