Big eucalyptus tree falls into King City museum

UPDATE 5/16/2016 6 PM:

San Lorenzo County Park officials are dealing with a mess after a large Eucalyptus tree came crashing down on Sunday. Many believe the 130′ tall tree was brought down because of strong wind and dry land.

The tree fell onto the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum building and an outdoor exhibit featuring more than a dozen pieces of farm equipment.

“It was our sugar beet exhibit and there was a tractor under there,” said Sharon Turner, a MCARLM museum assistant. “I know for sure there’s a harvester.”

An awning was also destroyed, yet a piece of equipment was recovered under it. The tree tore a hole into the roof of the building and dislocated some beams. However, the artifacts inside are safe.

“We need to figure out what the damage is, what was lost, what we were able to save,” said Jessica Potts, executive director of MCARLM. “We were able to get in there and get some of the equipment out of there last night. There is still some under there that is possibly salvageable, we’re just not really sure at this point.”

Unlike its shallow root system, Eucalyptus trees have deep roots in California.

“My understanding is they’re native to Australia and they were brought over in the 1800’s to use as fuel, railroad ties, they go quick, renewable resource, unfortunately they have a shallow root system and this is what happens when we have a severe drought,” said Rich Riddle with Monterey County Parks.

Now employees are concerned about other structures in the park.

“We have some old buildings,” Turner said. “Our schoolhouse was built in 1887, it’s surrounded by Eucalyptus, so that’s something we’re going to have to take a look at and see where we go from here.”

No one was at the museum when the tree fell, however the timing couldn’t have been worse. The museum is holding its 4th Grade California History Jamboree this week. Hundreds of students from all over the South County will be at the San Lorenzo County Park. Despite the downed tree, the jamboree is still on. Event organizers are just making sure students stay away from the debris.

ORIGINAL POST:

There’s a big hole in the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum in King City after a130 foot eucalyptus tree fell into the building over the weekend.

Tree specialists are now removing the 150-year-old tree. The museum has been working to save some irreplaceable artifacts.

The county park manager said the drought has affected trees in the parks he oversees. But as of late, he said it’s the oak trees that have been in trouble.

KION’s Mariana Hicks will have more on this story Monday night.