A midtown landmark is about to be removed.
The large camphor tree at 18th and Capitol - planted more than 120 years ago - is scheduled to be taken down on Aug. 22. The tree has been in decline for a couple of years and "there's no turning things around," city spokeswoman Linda Tucker tells me.
In the meantime, neighborhood groups are discussing ways to commemorate the tree with a ceremony on Aug. 21.
"They're very interested in doing a goodbye event because it has been such an iconic tree," Tucker says.
One idea revolves around a new "urban wood rescue program" the city has with the Sacramento Tree Foundation.
Under that program, wood from trees taken down in the city will be given to craftsmen. There is already talk of wood from the camphor tree being used to build a bench to be placed at 18th and Capitol.
Tucker said the tree had been scheduled for removal tomorrow. But that was delayed to give neighborhood groups time to bid it farewell.
Reps from the Handle business district, Midtown Business Association and City Hall will meet in the coming days to come up with a way to memorialize the tree.
According to the Business Journal, the tree was planted in 1886.
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