This time of year brings a beautiful and colorful view to the Ford House grounds. Leaves changing colors and falling give the property unique and picturesque look right before winter. Unfortunately, many trees that bring these changes, both in our community and around the world, are in danger of becoming extinct.

Visitors will have the opportunity to walk along the Ford House peninsula, known as “Bird Island” and explore the compelling stories of 15 endangered trees. Vanishing Acts: Trees under Threat is the latest exhibit featured on the grounds and demonstrates the importance of protecting endangered trees. As Director of Landscapes and a nature conservationist, I think it’s vital for people to make changes in order to protect these trees that help us in so many ways.

Right here in our own backyards we have seen many trees suffer from diseases, invasive species and other threats. We saw Chestnut Blight nearly send the American Chestnut into extinction in the early 1900s and Dutch Elm disease and the Emerald Ash Borer have taken out countless trees in our community.

Today, more than 10 percent of the world’s trees are threatened with extinction. These trees that are in danger of extinction serve us, not only with their beauty, but with valuable resources that we use in our everyday lives for medical and scientific research, food and manufacturing. We hope to bring inspiration to the community with Vanishing Acts so that future generations will be able to enjoy the trees we have today.

Vanishing Acts exhibit begins Saturday, Oct. 6 and will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admittance to the exhibit is included with full tour purchase and is free to members. For more information on Ford House or Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat, please visit www.fordhouse.org or call (313) 884-4222.