Stately and serene, its majestic presence graces the grounds south of Arbor Day Farm's Apple House. As it has for more than 150 years, the mammoth bur oak shelters outdoor classrooms and provides a beautiful backdrop for many of the farm's special events.
Years ago, when J. Sterling Morton was establishing his home here, most of Nebraska was prairie. In the eastern part of the state, along the Missouri River, there were some trees...mostly cottonwood along the streams and bur oak and hickory in wooded upland areas along creeks. Bur oaks, with their thicker bark, were more resistant to prairie fire, and as a result scattered pockets of bur oak managed to survive in parts of the prairie somewhat removed from stream side environments. These areas were referred to as “oak savannas”. Remnants of oak savannas are still found at Arbor Day Farm. The Morton Oak was probably part of an old oak savanna ecosystem.
Today, the Morton Oak remains a favorite gathering place for visitors old and young. The painting pictured above was done in 1986 by noted Nebraska artist Neil Anderson.
See how the Morton Oak changes through
the seasons.
