The Heritage Trees: Southampton’s Historic Natural Landmarks

As we recognize Arbor Day, we pay special tribute to some of the town’s longest-standing residents, the “lopp” trees. As living historic artifacts dating back to the colonial days, they offer a glimpse of the Town’s 17th century settlement. Well before concrete markers, 17th and 18th century surveyors used trees, especially white oaks, to mark property boundaries and significant natural resources throughout Southampton. Join Town Historian Julie Greene to learn how these trees, also called “lop trees” or “boundary marker trees,” were used and where they still exist today.