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Post Written by Sonny Jelinek
When we think about cork oak trees, our minds usually drift to countries surrounding the western Mediterranean Sea and the Iberian Peninsula, such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Algeria, and Tunisia. These are the places we typically associate with the cork forest habitat. However, cork trees have a more diverse presence than you might think!
As a co-owner of the CorkHouse retail shop and cork museum in Savannah, Georgia (closed December 2022), I frequently encountered visitors curious about the presence of cork trees in North America. Although not native to the region, cork trees can be found scattered across the country. It is believed that they were introduced to the United States in the 18th century. During the mid-20th century, there was a concerted effort to decrease dependence on foreign cork imports. David A. Taylor's book Cork Wars provides an insightful account of this World War II-era initiative.
The iNaturalist app and website, where citizen scientists can log their findings, provide evidence of cork trees growing across North America. Imagine my excitement when I discovered a grouping of cork trees in Georgia Veterans State Park, near Cordele, GA! I decided to pay a visit in early April 2023, and was amazed to find not just a few, but 24 cork trees scattered throughout the park.
These trees varied greatly in size, with the largest boasting a circumference of over 170 inches and the smallest measuring 17 inches. The size difference is significant, as it indicates that some trees were deliberately planted a long time ago, while others likely grew from acorns buried by squirrels. It's fascinating to think that some of these trees are naturally occurring and not cultivated.
I plan to visit Georgia Veterans State Park again in the fall, both to collect acorns and search for more cork trees. In the meantime, I'll be researching their history through the Georgia Historical Society archives, trying to uncover when and why these trees were planted. Was it part of the World War II effort or the vision of a plantation owner seeking a new revenue stream? Regardless of the answer, it's thrilling to discover cork trees thriving in the eastern United States.
If you're ever in the area, I encourage you to take a trip to Georgia Veterans State Park and explore this fascinating piece of cork tree history for yourself! And don't forget to share your findings on iNaturalist, as every bit of information adds to our growing knowledge about the wonderful world of cork trees.