Day Trippin’
As vacationers make their way to the Jersey Shore via Route 40, they pass through Richland, a quiet village in Buena Vista Township on the western side of Atlantic County. This small Pinelands community, home to just over 800 residents, may seem unassuming at first glance, but nestled in Saw Mill Park is an extraordinary sight: the Tree Monument, perhaps the most “unusual tree” in New Jersey.
This striking sculpture stands as a testament to Richland’s history and resilience. The story begins with a mighty white oak that stood for 235 years, dating back to around 1780, near a sawmill that played a key role in the region’s early development.
When the tree succumbed to time in 2015, it retained a 125-foot wingspan, marking its former glory. Rather than removing the tree entirely, the community sought a creative way to preserve its legacy. Led by Mayor Chuck Chiarello and the Buena Vista Township Committee, the vision for the Tree Monument was born.
Community members raised over $20,000 to transform the tree into a work of art that would honor the township’s history while serving as a contemporary landmark.
Local tree surgeon Gary Heitz prepared the tree, and chainsaw artist Brian Ackley carved nearly 40 intricate designs into its trunk and branches.
On May 27, 2017, during Buena Vista’s Sesquicentennial celebration, the Tree Monument was officially unveiled at the 3rd Annual Richland Village Festival.
Hundreds gathered for the dedication ceremony, which served as the centerpiece of a festive day filled with family activities including a classic car parade, train rides on the Cape May Seashore Lines, live music, and over 50 vendors and crafters.
The carvings on the Tree Monument reflect the rich past and vibrant spirit of Buena Vista Township. Among the designs are depictions of Native American figures, agricultural scenes, and iconic local landmarks like the clock tower and sawmill. Modern symbols, such as the township’s roads and sports team mascot, add a contemporary touch.
Unique carvings include a wise owl representing native species, a deer symbolizing local wildlife, and Father Time, a nod to the enduring passage of years. The quirky renaming of Richland to “Mojito” for a brief marketing partnership with Bacardi in 2004 is also memorialized in the carvings, celebrating the area’s role as a major mint supplier.
Saw Mill Park, home to the Tree Monument, offers more than just its centerpiece. The 1-acre park features a children’s play train, a steel Pennsylvania Railroad caboose from the 1930s, a gazebo and memorials dedicated to veterans and 9/11. Visitors can also view an original painting of the sawmill and the white oak, created by a descendant of the Smith family, early settlers of Richland.
The Tree Monument is illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual experience as shadows play across the carved designs. Since its unveiling, it has drawn countless visitors eager to marvel at the intricate carvings and reflect on the community’s shared history.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, the Tree Monument in Richland is a must-see destination. It serves as a lasting memorial to the mighty oak’s days of glory and a testament to the creativity and unity of Buena Vista Township.
As you journey along Route 40, take a moment to visit Saw Mill Park and experience this unique landmark. It’s more than just a tree – it’s an inspirational tribute to the roots of a community and the branches of its future.
