Often, we divide research into categories such as Natural Science and Cultural Studies. In the study of Cultural Landscapes, these disciplines intersect revealing fascinating connections. This happened last month when the Marquand Park Foundation invited two researchers for our OAKtober Talks at the Morven Museum Education Center. We asked Daniel Druckenbrod, PhD and Elizabeth Hyde, PhD to speak about their research on the subject of oaks - of course!

Professor Druckenbrod ’s work focuses on measuring and recording old forests in New Jersey. His research brings attention to pockets of old trees which have survived development and previous land clearing for farming. At Marquand Park, a corner of the park was originally set aside for a wood lot and later preserved as shady woods for park visitors. Daniel measured a fallen white oak from this area which he estimated would have been from the early 1800’s. In fact, he deduced its life began in 1766!

The Stockton family who first colonized this land would have used the trees from this forested area for fuel and building material. As wealthy landowners they could afford to set aside this resource for their own benefit. Now it is a place to cool off on a hot day and enjoy the shade of giant oaks, tulip poplars and other trees. We also learned about another local old forest that Aldo Leopold called the ‘Big Woods’ while he was a student at Lawrenceville School and beginning his career observing the natural world. Daniel found some surviving old giants on Joseph Bonaparte’s estate at Point Breeze where he established miles of carriage ways for entertaining guests. Daniel’s work highlights the value and use of oaks and other species in studying the ecological history of these remnant parcels of old forest.

Professor Hyde focused on the explorations and efforts of André Michaux on behalf of the French government at the end of the eighteenth century. She opened her talk linking the recent fire at Notre-Dame of Paris cathedral with the theme of national pride in association with the oak. She continued to tell the story of Michaux and how his botanizing was, in fact, a political mission. He gathered and cultivated oaks at a nursery in New Jersey above the Palisades. His mission, to replenish the French forests for ship building to fight the British who had already reaped their reward of timber from North American forests setting up an arboreal arms race.

In a follow up conversation both researchers drew parallels showing how oaks were valued as fuel: for local farmers, social influence, and political power. Attendees asked thoughtful follow-up question in a lively discussion. We hope to continue bringing stories and conversation surrounding Cultural Landscapes in future programming. Special thanks to Greer Luce and Morven Museum and Garden for hosting our OAKtober Talks!