Category: Chinquapin Oak
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It seems like an odd question. Most of us share a common understanding: to keep something in its current state or protect it from harm. If you’ve been following recent posts here or city communications, you may know the Riverland Park parcel on North Van Dyke is coming back before the Sterling Heights City Council,…
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On September 14, the Sterling Heights Board of Ordinance Appeals unanimously denied a request to reduce the protected Critical Root Zone around the historic Sterling Oak at 43934 Van Dyke. The official meeting minutes may take time to be released, and they will be linked here when available. In the meantime, residents can watch the…
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On August 12, 2026, the Chaldean Community Foundation and Sterling Heights Planning Department presented a revised development proposal. It covers the Riverland Park property on North Van Dyke Avenue. The Planning Commission subsequently approved the revised proposal. The City has posted the August 12 meeting materials. This revised plan designates the landmark chinquapin oak, Tree…
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A conversation beneath the Sterling Oak in Sterling Heights, Michigan It’s the hottest afternoon of the year so far, and I’m sitting in the deepest shade I can find along this part of North Van Dyke. Under the Sterling Oak, my senses quickly take everything in. The bark feels thick and worn, like armor covering…
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The Sterling Oak is still standing.Still rooted.Still waiting. And it is not waiting alone. Surrounding it are other landmark trees — quieter, less well known, but no less a part of the landscape — all tied to the same uncertain fate. Years after their future first came into question, nothing has been fully decided —…
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Next year, the United States of America will celebrate 250 years of existence. A noteworthy milestone that will prompt much reflection on the trials, successes, and opportunities envisioned by our country’s founders. Based on its estimated age, the Sterling Oak was likely here at that time, which is quite remarkable to think about. By the…
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As previously posted, there will be a City Council-requested update on the development status of the CCF2 property on North Van Dyke. It appears on the Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Council Meeting Agenda under the City Manager’s Report Item D. City Council Meetings are held at the Sterling Heights City Hall council chambers, 40555 Utica…
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At the November 5, 2025, Sterling Heights City Council meeting, during the concluding comments open to council, the newly re-elected Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawaski reflected on the election outcome. First, by highlighting the decades of work and distinguished contributions of long-time Councilwoman Deanna Koski (and notably a consistent and strong advocate for nature preservation!),…
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After 8 months, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor finally responded to the Sterling Oak petition. Because the last post was a bit long on the topic of excessive baloney, let’s just keep this one short and sweet. We will simply compare the Mayor’s opinion with the reality of this development. The Destruction Reality Because facts…
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Below is a brief update on the current status of our favorite oak tree. It remains alive and well, and this season’s acorns are visible on a lot of branches. The photo here, with the sun illuminating through its canopy represents how full of life it is. It has been a bit over a year…
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The following article appears in the Spring 2025 newsletter of the Michigan Botanical Society Southeastern Chapter about the Sterling Oak, published June 02, 2025. It is also being republished with permission here. The Story of the Sterling Oak Becoming part of the MBS Big Tree Program submitted by Mark Graf In 1799, William Blake wrote…
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Thanks to thousands of residents of Sterling Heights and beyond, our historic tree has many voices behind it. Centuries-old trees should not be considered disposable. They are irreplaceable. (Wordcloud created to represent the keywords of your petition comments, feel free to copy/share) The voices are growing louder everyday! Please keep spreading the word. Thank you!
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Planting trees isn’t just about adding beauty — it’s an investment in the future of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michael Taylor, in a separate statement. “Tree-lined streets make our community more vibrant, improve air quality and provide a cooling effect. They even help slow traffic for enhanced neighborhood safety. Every tree we plant today helps…
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Today is Arbor Day, so it seems appropriate to post a selfie taken today. As you can see, my spring buds are beginning to pop and erupt into full canopy mode. I wish there were more than two centuries of selfies to share. Wouldn’t that be something? Of course, the fact that I am here…
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The story of the Sterling Oak attracted the attention of a local TV reporter for WXYZ Channel 7 with comments from residents. Watch the piece below: The website story appears here: Sterling Heights Residents Hope To Save 250 Year-Old Tree From Being Cut Down (archive) Sterling Heights repeats 8-acre preservation falsehood It is one thing…