Here’s some more exciting news from the historic Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion.

You may have noticed a new wood log installation near the road not far from the entrance where Tiny Circus usually holds its performances during West Craft Fests. By the way, that area is called a Community Welcome Zone. Here’s the story behind the installation, according to the Woodlands’ Program and Operations Manager Emma Max.

The Woodlands has recently completed tree work as part of the general tree upkeep and maintenance program. One large tree had fallen and two large trees died over the past year, which is not uncommon with over 1,000 mature trees onsite. Placing the large, hollowed out logs in the Community Welcome Zone was the idea of the Woodlands Arborist, Chris Arader of Arader Tree Service.

The log was from an Ailanthus tree that had naturally hollowed out, and the Woodlands staff thought it would make for a perfect play area for children. There are no plans to remove those logs anytime soon.

“As long as they remain safe to use they will stay up there and we hope the community enjoys them,” says Emma.

Also, check out the Woodlands’ brand new Tree Finder tool. For the first time, the over 1,000 trees living in the 54 acre Woodlands are listed in a public inventory. The Woodlands Tree Finder is a tool you can use on-site or at home. Trees are searchable by species, common name, inventory tree tag number, and by location. You can access the tree finder online here: https://www.woodlandsphila.org/arboretum.

And just a reminder that the Woodlands is currently auctioning off English Elm slabs from the Grove of Seven Giants. They have just released a new batch of smaller boards that are perfect to turn into serving boards, wall art, momentos, etc. The auction closes on April 16th. Go here for more information.