There is a tree in Athens, Georgia, which has the distinction of assumed legal ownership of itself and it's surrounding land. Known as 'the tree that owns itself', story tells of a Colonel Jackson gifting the property rights of the tree back to the tree, along with all land within 8 feet of it's base.
A plaque beside the tree reads:
For and in consideration of the great love i bear this tree and the great desire i have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides - William H. Jackson.
Currently there is a plan in place to replicate the generous actions of the Colonel in this day and age. Seth Nicholas Stephen is trying to raise money to help initiate a program of self owning trees through out the United States and eventually, the world. He wants to plant White Oaks in prominent parks and supply each self owning tree with a certificate of authenticity.
Seth has until the end of October to raise the necessary two thousand dollars to continue the project. You can follow his progress on the website, where you can read his plan in detail and watch a great little video about the original self-owning tree.
This article was contributed to Celsias by Kate R.
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