Par
Aymeric Figueiredo
Published on
Nov. 16, 2024 at 7:56 a.m.
See my news
Follow the Marne
The first step is validated. Since November 8, 2024 and until December 20 of the same year, voting is open for the “Tree of the Year” competition.
“This year, it’s a smooth elm rooted in Crouy-sur-Ourcq (Seine-et-Marne), and survivor of extinction massive of its kind, which won over the jury with its longevity and resilience.
Rare survivor and living witness to a rich local history, it will represent our Île-de-France region to aim for the top of the national competition,” explains Île-de-France Nature.
A tree that has been examined by several entities. “Île-de-France Nature, Terre Sauvage, the ONF, the ARBRES association and the LPO evaluated the numerous applications according to the naturalistic, aesthetic, historical and cultural qualities of the trees in the running,” lists Île-de-France Nature .
The votes to elect the most beautiful tree of the year are taken online and will continue until the end of 2024.
The elm of Crouy-sur-Ourcq stands proudly with a diameter 3.80 meters and a height of more than 25 meters. It is accessible along the GR11 on the Montigny-L'Allier road, between the SNCF station, the Donjon du Houssoy and the Négando marsh. A setting that testifies to the richness of natural heritage and history of the Lower Ourcq Valley.
To unfold the next stages of the competition, Friday December 20, 2024 will ring the fence online votes. Then in January 2025 will be synonymous with deliberation for the “Jury Prize” and announcements of the “Public Prize”, as well as the “Coup de coeur Prize”.
A rescued tree
This elm resisted graphiosis, a deadly disease that almost wiped out all his congeners in France since the 1970s.
While there are only a few specimens left in Seine-et-Marne, this one is figure d’exception. It is classified as a “remarkable surviving tree” by the Council of Architecture, Town Planning and the Environment of Seine-et-Marne.
A joy for the president of the Association for the Protection of the Lower Ourcq Valley (ASBVO), Martine Godet.
“It was classified as a remarkable tree in the 1970s. The period when the Elms were attacked by graphiosis, a fatal disease which decimated almost all its congeners in France. Today, there are only five left in Seine-et-Marne. This nomination represents great pride for Crouycians, we had to put this tree in the spotlight,” enthuses the president of her association in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.
A shared pride
When we talk about this appointment to Crouyciens as well as to the mayor of the town, Didier Manson, a big smile and there is a sense of pride there.
“I am proud of this nomination, it is magnificent news. All this is also thanks to the work of my town hall secretary, Aurore Younsi,” enthuses the councilor.
However, the votes for the Crouycian tree barely taking off on the competition website.
“We currently have 133 votes. We will try to get as many people to participate. Being retired, I will even ask my former company to vote,” quips the councilor, who hopes that this tree will be able to occupy the highest branches of the podium.
Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.
