< >The Halfway Tree
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Nominator: Manitoba Forestry Association
Tree Location
Municipality: Portage la Prairie
Quarter section: None
Section: None
Township: None
Range: None
Lot #:
Unverified CoordsLatitude (UTM): 0531757Longitude (UTM): 5535968 |
Verified CoordsLatitude (UTM): 0531757Longitude (UTM): 5535968 |
Species: Willow
Story
This tree was originally nominated as the Halfway Tree in the 1987 book Heritage Trees of Manitoba published by the Manitoba Forestry Association. This tree was originally nominated by Drew Caldwell of Winnipeg. The "Halfway Tree" is location about 20km west of Portage la Prairie along the TrnasCanada Highway, midway between Winnipeg and Brandon. The tree, a common willow, has long been recgonized as an important landmark by inter- city travellers. The tree is the sole survivor of a willow planting which bordered a small drainage swale. The creation of the north lane of the TransCanada Highway caused the removal of the other trees. this tree was the largest of the group and so it was spared. A steel guard-rail protects the tree from potential vehicular damage. In the magazine Canadian Trees, Volume One, No. 2, 2005 - had an article written by Joan Cohen titled The Halfway Tree, a Manitoba Landmark. It was about this famous halfway, detailing the feature in the Heritage Tree of Manitoba Book. In this article mentioned that Walter Smith, planted the willow in 1872, shortly after taking possession of the land. Also mentioned in the article, in October 2000 a transport truck run into the tree. The tree suffered minor damage and the damaged branches were pruned out. In 2002, the tree was stuck by lightening, stripping away some of the bark. The wound has now been healed over and the tree is still growing strong.
Unverified Measurements
Height: 14.50 meters (47.50 feet)
Spread: 19.60 meters (64.00 feet)
Diameter: 213.00 cm (84.00 inches)
Circumference: 263.50 cm (263.50 inches)
Verified Measurements
Height: 14.50 meters (47.50 feet)
Spread: 19.60 meters (64.00 feet)
Diameter: 213.00 cm (84.00 inches)
Circumference: 263.50 cm (263.50 inches)