Parks Dept to take care of fallen tree's offspring

From the Daily News:

A centuries-old Queens tree, struck down in last month's violent storm, is getting a second chance at life.

City Parks Department officials pledged to nurture a sapling believed to have grown from the acorns of a massive red oak that stood sentry at the intersection of 112th St. and 84th Ave.

The tree, known by several names, including "Robin Hood," "The Grandfather" and "The Castle," captured the hearts and imaginations of its Richmond Hill neighbors for decades.

Neighbor Clark Whitsett, who lives with his wife and three young children in a house near the tree, got the ear of city workers during the storm cleanup. He showed them the skinny sapling and they told him it was from the same tree.

Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski said the sapling will be moved to the department's greenhouse for special care.