An iconic tree located near Shubenacadie in Nova Scotia fell victim to post-tropical storm Fiona.
The tree, dubbed the “Shubenacadie Tree,” was estimated to be 300 years old.
It stood alone in the middle of a field, and was appreciated by many who drove along Highway 102 between Halifax and Truro.
“There’s something about that tree,” said Nova Scotia photographer Len Wagg.
“It’s all alone, but it’s a symbol. … People have called it ‘the tree of life,’ people have called it the ‘Lion King tree,'” he said.
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The tree represented something constant for Wagg. It was the subject of many of his photos throughout the years.
Nooooooooooooooo. Damn you Fiona.
Our favourite tree in the province is gone. It was estimated to be 300 years old. #fiona #storm #halifaxnoise #tree pic.twitter.com/Nn3pn8xrK3— len wagg (@Len_Wagg_photo) September 24, 2022
Ex-hurricane Fiona hammered through Atlantic Canada, Friday night into Saturday, and downed many trees.
Nova Scotians like Wagg took to social media after finding out the Shubenacadie Tree was one of them.
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Sad day for Nova Scotians. After standing for over 300 years, farewell to the "Shubie Tree" that stood alone along the highway through Shubenacadie pic.twitter.com/PLdx1gh6Jp
— Jacob Billington (@JacobBillingt10) September 25, 2022
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I’m really bummed the #ShunenacadieTree is gone. I loved that tree. Stood alone in a field atop the field taking hit after hit after hit from weather but enjoying sunrises, sunsets each & everyday it could. Farewell you awesome tree of Shubenacadie.
— Steve (@Bettszee) September 26, 2022
Wagg said the loss of the tree does not compare to the many tragic consequences of hurricane Fiona in the region. The first fatality connected to the storm was confirmed Sunday, after the body of a 73-year-old woman from Port aux Basques, N.L. was found.
“People are dealing with things that are a lot worse than the tree. My heart goes out to all the people in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island,” Wagg said.
“This tree represented a constant in our lives that we could always count on.”
Read more: Fiona: Nova Scotia premier tours ‘heartbreaking’ aftermath in Cape Breton
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Wagg said he spoke to the owners of the land where the tree stood. They’ve had it for three generations.
“They’re still in shock,” Wagg said.
“They’ve asked that nobody remove anything. … I think they have plans for it.”
Wagg is currently shooting a project called “The four seasons,” and the photos captured of the Shubenacadie tree will hold a special place.
“It’s got a deep emotional connection with so many people. … Hopefully, something is done with the wood that will be special,” he said.
“It certainly is a loss.”
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