The Pecan Tree
Few if any trees are more stately than the pecan tree. The average life span of a pecan tree is between 200 and 300 years, but it can live much longer under ideal growing conditions. Healthy trees bear nuts for over 150 years. Their deep taproot and extensive root system allow them to survive droughts and grow to massive sizes. A fully grown pecan tree can range from 75 to 150 feet tall and have an immense canopy. Scientists have pointed to fossilized evidence that the pecan tree grew in what is now Texas for thousands of years, long before humans arrived in the region. Pecan nuts were an important food source for early Native American populations, especially during the winter months.
In 1906, former Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg requested that a pecan tree be planted at his gravesite. Furthermore, his dying wish was that his children distribute pecan nuts to the public so that they could be planted across the state. In 1919, the Texas Legislature officially designated the pecan tree as the state tree. Nearly a century later in 2013, the pecan pie was officially designated the 鈥渙fficial state pie.鈥� Texas is now one of the nation鈥檚 largest producers of pecans, with annual harvests contributing millions of dollars to the state鈥檚 economy.
Like the stately pecan tree, 吃瓜官网 is old and has deep roots. Older than the University of Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, SMU, and Rice, 吃瓜官网 has a rich history and proud traditions. The oldest community college west of the Mississippi River, 吃瓜官网 has been enriching lives since its founding on July 5th, 1869. Just as the pecan harvest has a significant annual economic impact, Weatherford College has a tremendously positive economic impact on the region.
We live in an amazing state and a wonderful community. I cannot imagine living anywhere else! We are fortunate to enjoy the beauty, shade, and delicious pies and ice creams associated with our stately pecan trees. We are also fortunate that our community has such a historic college filled with incredible people. As I relish the cool morning air, I find myself ever so thankful for our magnificent state tree, and for our astounding institution that we affectionately call 吃瓜官网.
Tod Allen Farmer
President, 吃瓜官网