ENMU's ginkgo tree: Spectacular in many ways

It may be the most beloved tree in Portales.

It's certainly the most photographed.

The majestic ginkgo tree that graces the front lawn of the administration building at Eastern New Mexico University's Portales campus has had a banner autumn.

Beautiful in any season, every few years this tree pulls out all the stops and turns its corner of campus into a glowing canvas of gold.

This was one of those years.

It seems almost wrong to talk about it in past tense, but last weekend's soaking rains followed by two days of wind took its toll on most of the remaining leaves.

Prior to that, it was next to impossible to pay a visit without finding others there basking in the golden light.

(And be warned: Even without its leaves, this tree's branches form a graceful labyrinth that begs to be climbed, including by those of us who no longer have any business whatsoever climbing trees.)

I daresay more photographs have been taken in and under that tree than any other in our region. In the height of fall color, you may have to wait your turn for a prime spot on the carpet of leaves.

When I was there last week, there was a young woman posing for graduation photos in an ENMU cap and gown, while a local high school senior waited nearby for a turn.

The United States Forest Service tells us that "a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays."

If that's the case, our ginkgo tree had exactly what it needed this year.

I've been doing some digging to try to find out more about when this tree was first planted at ENMU. I hope someone who reads this might know. I've heard local accounts of folks photographing their children and grandchildren in and under that tree that go back for more than 50 years. I suspect it's even older than that.

Last Arbor Day, ENMU planted a new baby ginkgo east of the one we know and love. With good luck and a predicted growth rate of a foot or two a year, within a couple of decades it could join its older cousin to the west in providing a double shot of beauty for our community.

That's a solid gold reason to be thankful.

Betty Williamson wants to hear your ginkgo tree memories. Reach her at:

[email protected]