“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”
Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca
At this location stood a beautiful 100 year old Siberian Elm. Sadly, it had to come down and the Town of Parker had the foresight to save the trunk for something special. The tree was removed on April 17, 2024, and the trunk transformation began in November of 2024.
From the Town of Parker: "The ol’ Siberian Elm tree located along Mainstreet, just adjacent to the Schoolhouse has lived well beyond its years. It is quite likely that it was planted around the same time as the original Schoolhouse construction, over a century ago. The majestic tree we now know has offered a canopy of shade for many farmers markets and Parker Days festivals. It has seen the dirt roads of long ago become paved and busy with new additions along Mainstreet and continued to grow tall despite so many disturbances over its lifetime. We have been diligent in our maintenance and pruning over the years but there is only so much we can do. The last heavy spring snowstorm broke significant limbs and compromised many others. Because of this and many other existing wounds and decay, we have made the difficult decision that this giant has reached the end of its safe and useful life and must be removed."
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the trunk transformation was complete and the historic elm tree was dedicated by Mayor Jeff Toborg (black jacket in image below). At the dedication, artist Matt Ounsworth shared, "The spirit of change is something I like to express in my art. Sometimes change is inevitable; sometimes you can make it positive. To have so many [people] enjoy something I created is really special to me.” Public Art Commission Chair Christine Kennedy also shared a few words, and is thrilled with the tree’s artistic transformation. “This tree stands as a powerful symbol connecting our past, present, and future. Through this carving, we honor the tree’s rich history as a beloved landmark, a source of shade, and a habitat for countless creatures. Transformed into a unique work of art, the tree’s second life will continue to reflect the charm and character of our community, serving as a focal point that enhances and anchors this cherished space.”
Artist Matt Ounsworth (left)
From Matt while discussing this virtual cache with him: "This piece is about the spirit of change and optimism in the face of adversity. There’s a hole on the side of the tree that I intentionally made as a dream portal. The idea is you whisper your dream into it and it will be taken into the roots of the tree and spread. Thank you for taking an interest in this. I am very grateful." The butterflies represent the metamorphosis that all life goes through. There are also other animals and plants that may have benefitted from this beautiful elm over the last 100 years. "Wood Spirits are faces carved into trees and totem poles and are meant to be a sign of good luck and good fortune."
Come visit this 'Spirit of Change', and whisper your dreams to him. Maybe they will come true?
To log this virtual: Post a picture of yourself (face not required) or foot/hand or paper with geonick or GPSr or trackable at this trunk.
OPTIONAL: Post a picture whispering your dreams to the Wood Spirit.
(Logs without the required image will be deleted within 7 days)
First Magical Visit: BearAdair, LostinDenver, OneKindWord, OUT14ND3R
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.