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The following are some frequently-asked questions about the
Hollow Tree, the Conservation Society, and the project to Save the Hollow Tree:
Q: Why save a dying tree?
A: The Hollow Tree is actually quite dead, and has been for generations;
indeed, during most of its history as a Vancouver landmark. It is invaluable not as a living specimen, but as a cultural artifact.
It has been visited by millions worldwide, it has been a photo icon for over a hundred years, and many locals and visitors
have fond memories of family, friends, or time spent in Vancouver whose essence is captured by a few memorable images, such
as the Hollow Tree. Our society values these images and artifacts as reminders of who we are, where we've been, and where
we are going. Hence, we invest in art galleries, museums, monuments and other items of cultural significance. We regularly
allocate funds or resources for monuments, statues, or heritage houses in our neighbourhoods, which become communal artifacts
for all to draw from. In our mind, the Hollow Tree is a similar monument, and its loss would be tragic if it were only due
to lack of effort to try and save the Tree.
Q: Why is the Hollow Tree in danger of being removed?
A: Although the Hollow Tree has been dead for generations, it has been structurally
sound for the majority of that time. During the extreme wind storms of 2006 which ravaged much of Stanley Park, the structural
ground under the tree was compromised, leaving the tree with an 11-degree list. The Parks Board has rightly identified this
as a safety hazard, and has rightly acted to protect the public by a) restraining the tree temporarily, b) fencing off the
nearby area, and c) pursuing proposals to either brace the tree or remove it. Although the Parks Board had in the past rejected
all proposal to permanently brace the tree as too costly or unsafe, our Society has approached the Parks Board with a new
proposal to brace the tree in perpetuity, using zero public funds, and in a manner which is unintrusive and safe, certified
by Professional Engineers.
Q: Is the Hollow Tree really a symbol of Vancouver or Stanley Park?
A: The Hollow Tree is featured in much of Vancouver's tourist literature and
"Where-to" maps. It is also featured in Wikipedia's "Stanley Park" entry (link below) and also has
a prominent role in 2010 Olympic Games "mythology": in the video which introduces the mascots for the 2010 Olympic
games, the figures meet at the Hollow Tree. (link below).
Wikipedia's description of Stanley Park
The Georgia Straight discusses the place of the Hollow Tree in 2010 Olympic lore.
Q: Isn't $200,000 a lot of money to save a dead tree, with
so many worthy & needy causes out there?
A: An excellent question, which we will respond to with 3 points:
1. $200,000 is the total value of the work involved, not the cash expenditure. The Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society is comprised entirely of volunteers,
and the $200,000 estimate includes the level of effort put forth by these members. The actual cost of the design, labour,
and materials to complete the project is in the order of $60,000.
2. All funds will be covered by private donations. There will be no cost to the
public to complete this project.
3.
The Hollow Tree is a local cultural icon and artifact, and worthy of investment. There are so many with pressing needs, particularly in unstable global financial times, and it is
acknowledged that every charitable donation is precious. Nonetheless, one of the strengths of our society as a whole is its
preservation of its roots and culture, which is manifested "on the ground" through initiatives such as this. We
feel $60,000 to be a small sum to render the Hollow Tree into a monument that can be enjoyed for decades or centuries by future
residents and guests, in a similar manner to the enjoyment it has brought countless others in the last 120 years.