NLI’s Legacy Tree Program announces the June Tree of the Month is an American Elm (Ulmus americana) located at Capron United Methodist Church, 250 W. North St., Capron, IL 61012. This magnificent American Elm is a standout in the Village of Capron in northern Boone County, just a block off busy highway 173. It is a relic of the past, one of the finest American Elms still around today after the dreaded alien Dutch Elm Disease wiped them out of our region in the 1960’s. The tree is 76 feet tall, has an average crown spread of 96.5 feet and is 196 inches (over 16-feet!) in circumference.
The nominator, Anita Crout, is a member of Capron United Methodist Church where the tree is located. She said, “We are so happy to be part of this. As a life-long resident of the village of Capron (69 years), that tree has always been part of the church as far back as I can remember. The church itself is 158 years old. No one can remember just when it was planted but my sister Nancy (73 years old) can remember using the outhouses by the tree when she attended Vacation Bible School. A few years back, a bad ice storm in February caused some branches to fall and do minor damage to our neighbors; they wanted us to cut down the tree. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that but we did have some of the branches trimmed. People going through town have stopped to admire and comment on it.” She added, “We love our tree and are grateful for the recognition you wish to bestow on it.”
Magnificent American Elms such as this tree were once commonplace across the eastern United States – during the Revolutionary War they were often a “Liberty Tree” in colonial towns where patriots gathered to discuss freedom, organize resistance and inspire action. The trees with theirtowering high canopies forming a perfect vase shape were the premier tree to plant along streets to provide shade and cool neighborhoods prior to air conditioning. They were easy to transplant, grew amazingly fast, and were very long lived. Because of these traits they were planted to the exclusion of other trees — almost a monoculture which proved disaster when the Dutch Elm Disease accidentally made its way here on imported logs.
Look close to find an American Goldfinch sitting on the branch.
This tree obviously survived Dutch Elm Disease and will be studied for its potential resistance to the disease — NLI has already reported the tree to Illinois Extension. Maybe someday its offspring will be part of the repopulation of this great American tree back to the landscape and wild. The loss of American Elms was devastating to communities but also to nature as the tree is one of the first plants to set seed in spring that feeds an army of birds and other wildlife after a long winter. The economic loss also staggering, and in many areas, replacement trees are still lacking causing our communities to become hotter in summer and colder in winter. This tree epitomizes hope for a better future.
“Any remaining large American Elm should be protected and we ask that if you know of an American Elm of 4-feet in diameter or larger, please nominate it as a legacy tree,” said Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of Natural Land Institute. “We will certainly share locations with researchers studying DED resistance in American Elm and these trees can be used for breeding more disease resistant trees.” Mature American Elms in Dahlquist Park, Deer Run Forest Preserve, and in front of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (Legacy Tree in 2025) are on the list already.
Background Information:
Natural Land Institute launched the Legacy Tree Program in January 2024. Anyone may nominate a tree on private or public land from NLI’s 12 county region. To see monthly stories, for more information and a nomination form visit: https://www.naturalland.org/nlis-legacy-tree-program-january/ or call 815/964-6666. NLI, an accredited land trust, is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit land conservation organization based in Rockford, IL and has protected 19,000 acres of natural land in I llinois since 1958. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals. For more information and to donate visit: www.NaturalLand.org.
All photos by Christopher Reisetter
Capron United Methodist Church members stand in front of the American Elm Legacy Tree.
The circumference of the trunk of the American Elm tree located at Capron United Methodist Church is 196 inches, that is more than 16 feet around.
American Elm tree leaves.
The American Elm Legacy Tree at Capron United Methodist Church.