Coming down the road towards Hardwick Cove beach at the end of my walk, I immediately noticed something was different. The beautiful willow tree at the water’s edge was lying in the sand.
When I got closer I was shocked to see that the tree had been cut down by a chainsaw. The culprit had not even finished the job, leaving the trunk hanging on by a few millimetres.
I’d been away for 10 days visiting friends, so I went to a neighbours’ cottage to ask if they knew anything that might explain this. They were as shocked as I was. On their walk along the beach that morning the tree had been intact. Asking around other neighbours provided no answers, and everyone expressed the same degree of shock.
This willow tree had withstood Lake Huron’s punishing winds, high water and ice. It had responded to these challenges by holding strong and growing on an angle, which made it all the more endearing. Everyone in this close knit community, and those beyond this community who use the beach, loved the tree, and have expressed their disbelief and sadness at its loss.
We all know about the importance of trees for the environment. But what the felling of this tree also made apparent is how a tree can contribute to a sense of well being and happiness and gratitude for the nature around us. The tree always brought a smile to my face when I walked past it and I took many photos of it over the years. It was especially stunning in winter when the ice sparkled on its branches. I will miss it dearly, as will many others.
We will never know who did this. But I am writing this in the hope that whoever you are you will read this and know how much sadness you have caused by this unnecessary act. Shame on you whoever you are.
And one more thing. You did not succeed in destroying the tree. Branches are growing out of the stump. It is alive, and will survive, much to the joy of all of those who love it and understand the gift that it offers to all of us.
Respectfully,
Emmy Arnold, Hardwick Cove
