In May 2009 a devastating storm

struck south Greenville causing

great damage to several areas of

the preserve.

It could not be determined whether

the damage was caused by a tornado

that did not touch down or by

straight line winds. Whatever the cause, the damage to the preserve

was quite severe. A total of 40 to 50 trees in the preserve were lost in this storm.

One cypress tree, approximately 85 years old, was struck down by winds and fell across Cypress Lane. As arrangements were being made to haul away the large felled cypress, a board decision was made at the site. It was decided that the once magnificent cypress could be recycled to live on as benches in the preserve.

The tree was hauled to the shop of Warren Harper who had agreed to use the wood from the cypress to create benches. Twelve benches, half without backs and half with, were built and taken to the preserve to be installed along the walking trail and the wooded path to be used by visitors to the preserve.

As visitors to the preserve exit the pavilion and turn right on the walking trail, the first bench offers a glimpse of the past.  Definable rings at the ends of the bench seat are clearly visible, and by counting them they offer a means by which the approximate age of the tree can be determined.

We invite you to sit awhile on one of our benches, enjoy the

surrounding cypress brake, and remember that without the natural cycles of destruction and regrowth that occur in nature, the creation of these benches would not have been possible.