Trail Marker Tree Origin
The original name of this land is Waganakising (Land of the Crooked Tree). The Land of the Crooked Tree has long been the home of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa, predating European arrival to North America. The land received this name when a powerful spirit bent a tree near Middle Village and Cross Village. The Odawa would also manipulate and bend trees to mark trails and culturally significant sites. The identity of crooked trees is not only with the land but with the Odawa themselves. Within the LTBB Constitution, the first people to this land refer to themselves as the Waganakising Odawak. -provided by Eric Hemenway
What is a Trail Marker Tree?
Trail Marker Trees were used as an ancient form of land and water navigational aids, as well as a marking system to denote areas of significant importance such as ceremonial sites. These trees were first used by many Indigenous tribes while later by fur traders and early pioneers. The Trail Marker Trees differed in appearance and formation both regionally and from tribe to tribe. Examples of these trees have been found across the United States and throughout Canada. Dennis Downes was first introduced to Trail Marker Trees as a young boy and was influenced by his own Indigenous lineage; later following in the footsteps of Dr. Raymond Janssen.
-provided by Downes Studio
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We hope this sculpture will honor the culture of the local tribe with this incredible portrayal of these historic trees, as well as serve as a meaningful symbol for all who visit seeking to "find their way."
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This structure would be installed along the pathway to mark the trail towards the labyrinth for visitors of Bluestem Meadow.
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More information
about this Trail Marker Tree Sculpture
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The sculpture is bronze.
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It is approximately 7.5 feet tall, with a range of diameter from 16 inches to 30 inches, with a base of the sculpture approximately 48 inches by 28 inches.
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Installation is on cement base with a soil berm and native plants, making it look very natural.
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All donations are tax deductible through our 501(3)(c) status.
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This trail marker tree is installed showing the way to the Bluestem Meadow labyrinth at the Offield Family Viewlands.
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All donations will be used towards the immediate and long term stewardship needs of the project.
Trail Marker Tree Dedication
On August 31, 2024 we gathered with donors and supporters to celebrate the installation of the trail marker tree on Bluestem Meadow within the Offield Family Viewlands. We were thrilled to have Gail Spreen Downes, Dennis' wife, and Kieran Fleming, executive director of Little Traverse Conservancy, on site to participate in the program. Guests enjoyed meeting and hearing from Gail, Kieran, and Katie as well as learning more about trail marker trees and Dennis Downes' life and legacy. It was a spectacular and meaningful morning of enjoying refreshments, meeting new friends and exploring the site. We appreciate all the support and enthusiasm around this project!
Installation!
Tom Moran, owner of Moran Ironworks in Onaway, MI, volunteered his time and talents creating a base for the sculpture and installing the tree. Our team is eternally grateful for his generosity and expertise!
We can't thank him enough.
We were honored to have Dennis and Gail visit Bluestem Meadow in August 2023!
Collaborating with Dennis and his team has been a wonderful experience.
We were all so appreciative of his constant support and enthusiasm for our vision.
Your Generosity, Your Legacy
Below are the current needs to maintain the sculpture at Bluestem Meadow. As we are now a 501(3)(c), you can make tax deductible donations directly to Bluestem Meadow - see our Donating page for more info. We are also collaborating with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians who will provide an interpretation piece for the sculpture upon installation.
Total Project Costs: $80,000
Fundraising to Date: $74,735
Deadline: December 2024
Donate Today!
We are so proud to have this special piece installed at Bluestem Meadow, marking the way toward the labyrinth. If you would like to donate, please see the Donating page or click the button below. Contact info@bluestemmeadow.com if you have any questions or would like to donate through transfer of funds or stocks.
Dennis Downes
Dennis Downes was an award winning and highly respected artist who had dedicated his life to researching, educating, and sculpting trail marker trees. His bronze works are notable for their high degree of realism. He was very enthusiastic about installing this piece at the Viewlands as it “fit” his vision of where these works would culturally and naturally reside. He is seen above alongside the Trail Marker Tree sculpture. It was first sculpted with clay which was then turned into a mold and cast in solid bronze. After being cast in bronze, Dennis, always the perfectionist, would go back over the sculpture ensuring there are highlights and everything was exactly as he wanted it. Lastly, he personally applied patina to perfect the piece.
-provided by Downes Studio
