On June 3rd, Darke County Park District lost one of its beloved nearly 300-year-old bur oak trees located at Prairie Ridge Meadow. The stately bur oaks reside in what was once part of Buchy Field.
During the commemoration of the bicentennial of the signing of the Treaty of Greenville, Native Americans stood with their hands held high towards the skies proclaiming their fathers were here amongst these great oaks over 200 years ago. The grand bur oak trees at Prairie Ridge Meadow have withstood time and have seen much history.
Burr Oak trees are massive, slow growing trees. They produce fiddle-shaped leathery leaves that are 4-12 inches long and 3-6 inches wide. These mighty oaks produce huge-fringed acorns that can grow up to 1 ½ inches long. Their thick and sometimes corky twigs, and deeply ridged, fire resistant bark add to its bold texture. The bur oak is one of the most striking of the oaks. Darke County Parks encourages you to visit Prairie Ridge Meadow and stand under these immense trees and experience them and all of their majesty.