Folks from Parsons and across the country gather to unveil an interpretive sign for the Parsons Butternut tree, the largest known butternut tree in West Virginia. Butternut trees are considered endangered.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Local elected officials gathered with residents and folks from across the region to unveil an interpretive sign for the largest butternut tree known in West Virginia – and it is located in Parsons near the former shoe plant.
Parsons Mayor Dorothy Judy said it was a special day for Tucker County and Parsons.
“We appreciate everyone that has worked hard to make this day possible,” Judy said.
Councilman Tim Auvil said lots of folks worked on the project.
“Dr. Jim Auvil and his brother Bob originally went to the Nursery Bottom to see if they could take a measurement on the tree,” Tim Auvil said. “They were told they do not do it any longer, but gave the Auvil brothers the tool to do the measurement on the butternut tree. When they submitted the information, it was determined the butternut tree was the largest in West Virginia.”
Tim Auvil said he wanted to thank Fred Sikarski, who helped lay a path to the tree and surround the area with large rocks so big trucks could not park under the tree and continue to destroy its limbs.
Sikarski said when the Auvil’s first started their research, the Parsons Butternut tree was listed as a large tree.
“We received the word that Parsons is the home of a state champion tree in 2010,” Sikarski said. “The previous champion was in Harrison County.”
The Parsons Butternut tree has a circumference of 192 inches, or 16 feet, in diameter. It is 77 feet tall and its canopy spans 105 feet.
Tim Auvil said the tree is endangered because of a canker.
“This canker came in the 60s and wiped out about half of the population of butternuts,” Tim Auvil said. “This one is extra special because it appears to be resistant to the canker.”
Sikarski said the Parsons Butternut tree is unique.
“You don’t usually find trees like this with a huge canopy,” Sikarski said. “You can get underneath of this tree and sit in the shade of the tree and enjoy God’s creation and the beauty of nature.”
Dr. Jim Auvil and his brother Bob Auvil unveiled the interpretive sign.
“Now we have a place for folks to come and sit down or have a picnic under the tree,” Judy said. “We thank everybody that has helped us with this project.”