It all started with simple childhood memories.

Ford Worthy, 91, a Washington native who resides mostly in Raleigh, recalled how he used to climb the live oaks at Washington Park when he was young. Ever since then, Worthy said he’s had a special reverence for them.

Even when working in the land-clearing business, Worthy said he used to hate to see live oaks bulldozed.

Perhaps it is the relative uncommonness of them in the land of the long leaf pine. Maybe it’s respect for the amount of nurturing and time it takes for live oaks to reach maturity.

Whatever it is — an affinity Worthy said he doesn’t even fully understand — he is now trying to spread the joy of watching live oaks grow.

For the past year or more, Worthy has donated matured live oaks from his farm to several groups around the county, including the City of Washington in the spring of 2015.

“I have planted these live oaks for propagation, and my intent was for propagation in Beaufort County and Pitt County,” he said. “I’ve given a few to nonprofits. Several of them went to the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, some to the Montessori school, some to the Northeast Elementary School and some to the Beaufort County Community College.”

His most recent donation involved about 20 live oaks, planted years ago and finally mature enough to be transplanted to the Washington Montessori Public Charter School campus from his farm in Pinetown. Teacher Nancy Murray worked with the staff to coordinate the transplant.

“We could not be happier with the donation of trees from Mr. Worthy. They add life and definition to the campus,” said Austin Smigel, director of administration and finance at Washington Montessori. “Our students were fascinated when they planted the trees. Some of the younger ones are calling them the insta-trees.”

Worthy said knowing the trees will be there for decades to come is the best part of his work.

“Most people want immediate gratification from a tree that they plant, and they like for it to be full-grown in about 10 years,” he said. “You know, my wife asked me the question: ‘You know, why would you plant a tree that takes a long time to grow like a live oak?’”

To answer that question, Worthy refers to a Greek proverb: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

In a way, he’s passing on his passion, his childhood memories.

Darla Prescott, director of academics and education at Washington Montessori, said the students have already gained a new respect for these trees and the environment as a whole, thanks to Worthy’s donation.
With the live oaks, the school is making an investment in the future, not only with its students, but now also with nature.