(KAIR)--Removal of what remains of the longstanding Siberian Elm tree, known locally to Atchison residents as the Soul Tree, began Monday, with the City of Atchison saying keepsakes are being made available from the remnants.
According to a release from the city, Urban Lawncare began the work Monday, limbing the Soul Tree and preparing it for milling, creating piles of smaller branches and so-called "cookies" outside the work zone for anyone who wants to take home a piece of the beloved landmark.
The tree, a fixture on the park's west side for generations, came down in mid-June after strong winds swept through the area.
The city said once the current work wraps up, the monks of St. Benedict's Abbey have agreed to bring in their portable lumber mill to cut the tree's larger logs into slabs. Those slabs will spend the next two years drying before being turned into Soul Tree furniture, art, and other woodworking pieces.
The city also sends the reminder to residents that the Atchison Art Association's design contest for a permanent Soul Tree memorial at LFM Park remains open, with entries accepted through August 1st.
