The Medusa Tree
(Picture of the Medusa Tree)
Nestled in Falls Park in beautiful downtown Greenville, SC lies an approximately 70-year-old marvel. Locals refer to this amazing landmark as "The Medusa Tree" or simply "The Root Tree". The beautiful American Beech (fagus grandifolia) was believed to be planted in the Furman University arboretum, which was established in 1929. The Greenville Garden Club started planting trees in the arboretum in 1932. Horticulturists believe that the tree’s roots became exposed during the construction of the former road, Furman College Way, which is now a foot trail. This foot trail winds by the impressive tree. Due to the growing popularity of the tree, people have also begun to perform minor vandalism such as carving their names, initials, and dates into the tree's beautiful light gray bark. DO NOT BE ONE OF THESE PEOPLE AS IT BREAKS LOCAL LAWS! The tree is currently thriving and will continue to do so as long as the bank it is growing in remains healthy and does not erode.
Speaking of erosion, are you aware that trees help reduce soil erosion? Soil erosion is the loss of land’s physical (i.e. loss and depletion of fertile topsoil from physical impacts like floods and surface runoff), chemical (i.e. unfavorable changes in soil chemistry), biological (i.e. decreased microbial activity), and ecological (i.e. decreased land productivity) qualities from natural and human caused disturbances. When you have major soil erosion, it can cause problems such as flooding, soil acidification, desertification, water pollution, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, airborne dust pollution, loss of arable land (agricultural land), etc.
Trees help decrease soil erosion in several different ways. Their leaf canopies help reduce erosion caused by falling rain and provide surface area for rainwater to land on and evaporate. When trees and other vegetation on steep hills are planted or grow naturally it acts as barrier to topsoil that may be displaced by runoff. Their roots soak up water and help create favorable soil conditions and reduce runoff as well. Trees also provide windbreaks, or natural wind barriers. These natural wind barriers slow down wind while also protecting the soil underneath. Trees with deep root systems help secure and protect soil and prevent detachment and displacement.
As you will observe at the site, the Medusa Tree is planted on a steep slope. The tree’s roots were not exposed at one point in time when the arboretum was first created, but after the bluff where the tree is located was carved out for Furman College Way the root system was exposed. When the bluff was carved out, it created the steep hill that the tree now clings to. This type of erosion would be classified as human caused physical soil erosion. The medusa tree’s root system along with the surrounding vegetation has prevented this hillside from eroding quicker than average. If the tree and the surrounding vegetation were not present, this hillside would be a concerning area for the city because runoff would be unchallenged. This would lead to quickened erosion in this area. If this area had a quickened erosion rate, the Governor’s School of Arts and Humanities at the top of this slope would be placed at risk for events such as shallow mudslides. Shallow mudslides can still cause tremendous damage and be very dangerous even though they do not penetrate deep into the ground. The Medusa Tree and the surrounding vegetation holds the top soil down when it becomes soaked and prevents events like shallow landslides from happening.
(Picture of cache owner with the Medusa Tree for size reference. Owner is 5 ft. 4 in.)
To Receive Your Log, You Must:
- Attach a photo of you or a personal object in front of the Medusa Tree in your log.If you do not have a smart phone and cannot attach a photo, just let me know in your message with the answers.
- Answer the following questions:
- Give me one or more impacts of soil erosion on our planet.
- Give me one or more benefits of trees and how they affect soil erosion.
- What is the approximate angle of the slope that the Medusa Tree grows in? (45? 90? Somewhere in between?)
- How do you believe this area would look if something happened to the Medusa Tree?
It is okay if your answers are not correct! Earth Caches are made for learning! Go ahead and log this cache if you have sent me your answers and attached the required photo to the log. I will delete your log if I do not have a message from you with your answers!
I hope you enjoy one of my favorite things in this beautiful park in a beautiful city!
#YeahThatGreenville
Sources:
https://graniteseed.com/blog/how-do-trees-stop-erosion/
https://eos.com/blog/soil-degradation/
https://treesunlimitednj.com/how-to-prevent-soil-erosion-using-trees/#:~:text=A%20tree's%20large%20root%20system,than%20flowing%20atop%20the%20surface.
https://greenville360.com/history/themedusatree/
FTF goes to RobinMohawk!