Photo Friday: Estivant Pines

Photo courtesy of We are CS

The Estivant Pines is one of the great nature sanctuaries of the Upper Peninsula with 508 acres of forest in Keweenaw County.

The nature sanctuary, which is now maintained and preserved by the Michigan Nature Association, holds some of the oldest white pines (Michigan’s State Tree for those of you visiting from outside of Michigan) in the state, some as old as 600 years. Many of these trees tower overhead upwards of 130 feet high.

The Estivant tract is believed to be the last stand of virgin white pine in the Upper Peninsula. In 1955, in recognition of its grace and beauty as well as its role in the wealth and development of Michigan, the white pine was designated the official state tree of Michigan.

– Michigan Nature Association