Stop Four

The LIWS theory that the trees could move great distances wasn’t shared too widely or loudly, as you can imagine. Afterall, this hypothesis was never even considered by the scientists.¹  But the evidence mapped out was clear and irrefutable: the trees were moving around Larch Island.

To test their theory, the Society used their maps to locate the fastest moving trees. They discovered the fastest trees were the ones that exposed their root systems above ground. So, the LIWS marked the exposed roots with red paint, and staked their positions so they could measure, with accuracy, any movement the trees would make.

You’ll notice this main trail climbs over some of these exposed tree roots – they’ll be even more prominent as you continue walking up ahead. Take a moment to stop and get close to the roots. If your eyesight is good, you’ll be able to see remnants of the red paint on some of the roots.

The LIWS, using this technique, measured the speed and distance at which the trees walked. They were shocked to find that collectively, those trees walked over 60km in one month. They were referred to as “The Originals”, as they were possibly the first trees to populate Larch Island during the spring of 1909.²

The Originals are still walking, and are still on Larch Island. Stay right. At the next stop, we'll introduce you to the fastest ones, if they haven’t moved recently!

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foot.notes

1. The scientists officially classified the suspiciously quick development of Larch Island as “inconclusive” and “unexplained,” as per the written report dated 10th of August 1910.

2. As of 2021, it is estimated that only five Originals remain. Curbside Museum, with the help of volunteers, hopes to map their current locations. Want to help?