In February of this year, the organizers of the European Tree of the Year 2022 contest decided to exclude the Turgenev Oak from its list of entrants.
The Russian oak tree has a long and storied past. In 2010, when a storm ripped the top off of the tree, Ivan Turgenev, who was once known as the “Russian poet of youth,” was managing the estate. This is what sparked his famous novel Fathers and Sons. That same year, the oak tree received the recognition of being named the Tree of Russia.
The Spasskoye-Lutovinovo Museum-Reserve is a unique site in Russia. It definitely deserves your time, because buried deep within its grounds are the remains of an old oak tree.
Despite participating in four previous Tree of the Year competitions, the oak that was native to Turgenev’s estate area used during this year’s competition was eliminated. Representatives of the European Commission were initially willing to participate in the contest, but on the day before due to military operations in Ukraine, they announced that they would be withdrawing.
– We’re sorry, but we appreciate all your support in the “Legend of Spassky” vote. – Says the Museum-Reserve after losing out to Chekhov’s hut.
