I want to begin by expressing how grateful I am to each and every one of you who takes the time to read Bulletin of Remarkable Trees every time a new post goes up. I’m continually thrilled with and incredulous at how many people have taken an interest in my grandpa’s life and work at the Morton Arboretum.
Whether it’s curiosity surrounding the Arboretum’s 100-year tenure in Chicagoland, a love of history and horticulture, or to share in my journey of getting to know my grandfather, every reason you all have shared for continuing to read makes me more assured in my overarching mission to spread the lessons and legacy of E. L. Kammerer’s work far beyond their truncated initial reach.
That’s why I’ve decided to un-paywall all of the essays that were previously for paid subscribers only and, from here on out, not charge for access to any of what I write here.
I’ve been wrestling with the benefit and cost paid subscriptions provide this newsletter for a while now. Many of you have let me know that you choose to subscribe not primarily for access but to demonstrate an enthusiasm for my work generally, so I’ll continue to offer subscriptions for patrons who want to show their support monetarily. And for those of you who have paid to subscribe in the past, I want to express how grateful I am for your incredibly generous support!
This change will allow more of what I write to reach a broader audience and, on a personal note, will let me focus on the reason I write this newsletter: to share Grandpa Kammerer’s experiences and impact at the Arboretum with anyone who might have an interest. I’ve found the focus on encouraging paid subscriptions and deliberating how to divide my writing for paid versus non-paid subscribers distracting. Ultimately, it takes away from the goals that underpin this entire endeavor.
Here are links to a couple of my favorite posts that were formerly accessible to paid subscribers only:
Later in the week, I’ll be posting about my recent trip to Southern California, where I journeyed to some of the same locations my grandpa visited during his travels to SoCal in the 1950s. I was even able to partake in one of my new favorite pastimes: taking “now” pictures to accompany “then” slides photographed by my grandfather. I’m excited to share this one with you all, so keep an eye out!