Tree lovers had something completely new — or rather very old — to embrace on Earth Day 2013. A non-profit group based in Copemish, Michigan held ceremonial tree-plantings this week in seven nations (Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Germany and the U.S.). But these were no run-of-the-mill oak trees — they were
laboratory-produced genetic clones of three giants that were cut down in northern California over a century ago. One of the tree stumps that was used as a source for the clones is believed to be about 4,000 years old!
“This is a first step toward mass production,” said David Milarch, co-founder of Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, a nonprofit group spearheading the project. “We need to reforest the planet; it’s imperative. To do that, it just makes sense to use the largest, oldest, most iconic trees that ever lived.” Talk about a continuity plan!