Our 4th of July traditions at camp are simple. We gather for a BBQ dinner and afterwards we huddle together in the early evening shadows of the tall pines that surround us on the ranch to listen to The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine.

Originally published in 1909 by naturalist and author Enos A. Mills, The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine tells the tale of Mills’ dissection of “Old Pine,” and of what he learns about the tree’s life. The themes of resilience, adaptation, and determination feel especially relevant now. We hope you enjoy the story, read below by Kent.

You can also read the full story here.