In a remarkable act of preservation, Tree Legacy, a nonprofit organization founded by Alyssa Tjaden and Justin Estopinal, has unveiled ‘The Founders Tree,’ a unique sculpture created from a historic oak tree that was removed for a shopping center development.
This project not only commemorates the rich history of Friendswood but also represents a significant effort to repurpose and honor the majestic oaks that once stood on the Parsonage property across from the Friends Church.
In October of 2021, the Friendswood community faced the heart-wrenching removal of large oak trees to make way for new development. According to Tree Legacy co-founder Alyssa Tjaden, the loss of these historic trees was felt deeply by the community.
However, swift collaboration between concerned citizens ensured these trees would not be forgotten. “It was really hard to see those beautiful historic oaks come down,” Tjaden said, emphasizing the community’s collective grief and determination to preserve the trees’ legacy in a meaningful way.
Tree Legacy was formed in response to this collective desire to celebrate and remember Friendswood’s natural heritage. The nonprofit’s vision led to the creation of ‘The Founders Tree,’ an intricate sculpture that narrates the city’s founding story, highlighting the significant roles of the Quakers, the local creeks essential for the fig industry, and the subsequent growth of the community.
Artist Earl Jones was commissioned to bring this vision to life, spending considerable time with the preserved oaks and immersing himself in Friendswood’s history to accurately capture its essence in his work.
Located at the Quaker Church, ‘The Founders Tree’ is not yet complete but has already been made accessible to the public. Visitors can walk around the sculpture to explore the rich narrative of Friendswood’s founders, their faith, and the natural and divine guidance that shaped the community.
This piece is the first installment in what Tree Legacy hopes will become a Downtown Tree Trail, a series of artworks telling the story of Friendswood from its establishment in 1895 to the present, focusing on themes of faith, family, and education.
As more pieces are added to the Downtown Tree Trail, Friendswood residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to engage with the city’s history in a unique and interactive way.
Tjaden’s hope is that ‘The Founders Tree’ and subsequent installations will serve as a testament to the community’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to preserving its heritage for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
The Tree Legacy Board includes Alyssa Tjaden, Justin Estopinal, Sally Branson, Luis Briones, Lorrie Foreman, Robin Hall, Rebecca Hillenburg, Dariel Jacobs, Marcus Rives, and Brett Banfield. Residents interested in donating or getting involved may contact a board member or reach out through the Reporter-News at jim@myreporternews.com.
