Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
Mobile Tree Trail debuts new look, brochures
A major facelift for the Mobile Tree Trail was announced this morning as organizers unveiled new signage and poles at eight historically significant trees across Mobile.
We’ll tell you all about the Boy Scout who designed the signs and the Tree Trail itself.
New look!
The new signs are the brainchild of Boy Scout Graham West of Troop 227 and the Mobile Tree Commission. West said he got the idea to re-vamp the signage long before even joining the Scouts, as he often rode his bike by this tree and wondered what the old sign was about.
He started the project back in August of 2023, working to secure $7k in funding and to learn enough about the trees to fill up these signs. You can find new and improved signs at eight historically significant trees around Mobile, like the Duffie Oak and the Boyington Oak.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson and District 6 City Councilman William Carroll were both in attendance and spoke about how conserving the trees is key to preserving the history of Mobile.
“Our trees, especially our heritage oaks, they tell the story of our citizens, the depth of our city, and what it took to get it to where it is today.”
Mobile City Councilman, William Carroll
New pamphlets, too
New pamphlets outlining all 19 trees along the Mobile Tree Trail were passed out Thursday. Inside, you can find information on every tree—from the lore and legend of the pecan tree the Crichton Leprechaun was allegedly squatting in, to the saddening tale of lynching at the Boyington Oak.
You can also find pictures of the trees. Tree Trail Organizer, Andrew Blejwas employed his young daughter, Katie, to take the photos.
About the Mobile Tree Trail
The Mobile Tree Trail was established in the 1990s, by a group of volunteers who wanted to protect the trees that were as old, if not older, than the city of Mobile. The Tree Trail is a product of the Tree Commission, which works with the city to preserve and maintain heritage oaks that Mobile is known for.
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