The Tappan Oak, a beloved landmark planted at the University of Michigan in 1858, may have been far older than initially believed. According to Professor Joseph Trumpey, the tree could have been over 300 years old when it was sadly felled in 2021 due to a decaying trunk.
However, the legacy of this magnificent oak will live on in a unique way. Professor Trumpey and his students are using the wood from the Tappan Oak, along with other fallen trees, to craft tables for public use on the Ann Arbor campus. These tables will serve as a permanent reminder of the tree’s presence on campus and a testament to its enduring spirit.
