What's Around the 2 Copper Beech Trees?

The 2 Copper Beech trees are bordered by Main Street on one side, a church parking lot and playground behind it, a house and yard on one side, and a circular driveway on the other.

Across Main Street is the Sharon Public Library and some retail/office spaces.

You can see the Copper Beech trees behind the white van in the center of this photo:

I think for most of the week, the 2 Copper Beech Trees are a place that the community drives or walks by. On Sundays, it's a favorite spot for the children and youth of the congregation. Several people have told me their children could usually be found in one of the trees after church. In recent years, some branches were damaged after some storms, and had to be cut. Many youth were upset that they weren't consulted beforehand. They feel a strong connection and responsibility to the trees.

The land around the 2 Copper Beech Trees is flat, grass-covered. There are no wild areas around it. But it's still a haven for birds, squirrels and insects. And the occasional kid, or traveler in need of a rest at a picnic bench in the shade.

A Sanctuary Amidst the Bustle and Noise of a Town Center

At the corner of Main and Depot Streets in the center of Sharon, MA stand two copper beech trees. They reside in the side yard of a meetinghouse which is home to a Unitarian congregation. 

Underneath one tree, there is a plaque:

In between the two trees are two picnic tables, inviting passersby to rest awhile. 

I chose this place for my Place Project, an assignment for a graduate course I am taking at Regis College, Natural Science in the Classroom II, because it is in the yard of the church where I attend services and other events with my family. It is very close to my house and I admire the trees every time I pass by them. I am curious about the history of the trees and the events that have taken place under them. 

The bark of the trees reminds me of elephants: