Pikes Peak Historical Society has been documenting human-modified trees for almost 20 years.  These remarkable living artifacts, displaying a variety of unusual shapes, are truly works of art, sculpted by highly talented and creative peoples.  Known widely as culturally modified trees (CMTs), they are cited in several areas of the USA, and as far away as Australia, as the handiwork of indigenous peoples.  This presentation will highlight some of the most spectacular CMTs found in our region.

Not every bent tree in the forest is a CMT.  Most are “imposters”, modified by natural processes, or fall in a grey area where it is currently impossible to know if they are real.  Pikes Peak Historical Society member and CMT Chairman, Andy Weinzapfel, will be giving a talk about Culturally Modified Trees at the September Chautauqua and the criteria used by PPHS to identify CMTs will be given.  Today the study of CMTs is not without controversy: a brief history of Ute involvement since 1998, as well as a recent disavowal of certain types as theirs, is presented.  Regardless, there remains a great need to identify, document, understand, and preserve these important artifacts before they are inadvertently destroyed.

The Pikes Peak Historical Society invites you to learn more about Culturally Modified Trees at the PPHS monthly Chautauqua on Sunday, September 30th at 2pm at the Florissant Library. The Library is located adjacent to the Florissant Community Park on 334 Circle Drive in Florissant. This program is presented as a public service of the Pikes Peak Historical Society in partnership with the Rampart Library District. Admission is free and refreshments are served.  No reservation is required but arrive early, seating is limited. For more information call 719-748-8259 or 719-748-3861.