As Wake County prospers with growth, it's essential to preserve the natural landmarks and beautiful icons that have made our home the beautiful land it is. We believe growth is vital for Wake County residents, but like many cities and counties throughout the country, we can achieve a balance where nature and progress can be in harmony.

Many landmarks have already gone, but we can still protect those remaining. One such landmark, a tree whose life spans centuries, is now scheduled to be destroyed so the DOT can implement a left-hand turning lane onto Jones Dairy Road.

North Carolina Forestry studied the tree and estimated it's at least 250 years old — most likely closer to 350 years old.

We spoke with Betty Freeman, who co-owns the land and farm with her husband George Garcia, where the tree resides. She provided an insightful background:

"My grandfather Grady Averette, and his brother Robert Averette, purchased this farm and a majority of the land from the south side of Granite Falls to Highway 98 on both sides of Averette Road. My grandfather died at 42, and then my grandmother ran the farm with the help of staff. My parents bought this farm from my grandmother's estate after her death in 1952. My father died in 2012, and in 2013, I inherited the farm. The tree is a landmark of the farm and the surrounding area. I would always tell people looking for Jones Dairy Road that it was the first left after passing the big oak tree after the cemetery. When school was in session, we all waited for the bus under the shade of that tree. It's part of the heart of the land."

It’s important to note that there has not been discussions about impacting any of the surrounding properties, despite their close proximity to the road and the DOT project.

Older than the United States of America's Constitution, the tree has protected generations of children playing and served as a home for countless animals. It's provided shade for many family members, farmhands, and residents. It's survived collisions caused by reckless drivers and has protected Betty's family from the dangers of the road on more than one occasion. It has seen more life than we all can imagine, and it's the hope of many of us in the Rolesville-Wake Forest area for it to continue serving as a beautiful landmark, a piece of timeless, natural splendor that will inspire future generations. 

The stakes are already in the ground. Time is short. We ask you to sign this petition, spread the word, and make a difference as soon as possible. Our county can grow while preserving the beauty we've all had the pleasure of knowing.