Pinus strobus - Eastern White Pine
The official state tree of Michigan, the Eastern White Pine typically grows to a height of 50 to 80 feet in cultivation, but commonly grows up to 100 feet in the wild. Valued in the 18th and 19th centuries as a timber tree, this pine has lightweight, straight-grained wood with an orange tint in the heartwood core fading to white at the sapwood edges. In natural areas, the tree is a favored nesting place of bald eagles. In Michigan, Eastern White Pines are one of the tree species grown on commercial Christmas tree farms along with 8 other fir, pine, and spruce species. Eastern White Pine commonly reaches 200 years of age and may exceed 450 years old. The tallest Eastern White Pine tree that has been recorded reached a height of over 200 feet tall.4 That’s 50 feet taller than Lady Liberty.
King Bethel
Student and Musician, The Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences
King Bethel is born and raised in Detroit. Although still a student, he is already a professional music performer and singer. He has performed at numerous venues and events, including being featured in the now viral video One Nation Under a Groove performed by The Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir. One of his favorite memories is performing on stage with Faith Evans at the Detroit Riverdays Festival on the Detroit Riverwalk. King is a self-taught piano player (he plays by ear), and he is inspired by Motown music.
King’s favorite tree:
“Cherry Blossom because it inspires calm and for its beauty.”
This Exhibit Took Place Along the Detroit Riverfront September 1-30