Elizabeth Park is a great place to stroll, rest, and meditate. It is Whatcom County’s first official park and a treasure trove of many beautiful trees. Fortunately, there is a map identifying them and their locations. There is a small Ginko biloba tree in the park. While this one is young, they are considered to be a living fossil having changed little, if any, for 200 million years. They shared the planet with dinosaurs! Check out their unique leaves. They are not related to any other living tree. Have you ever seen a Pacific Yew tree? Researchers have found that this tree produces compounds that can fight cancer. These are the taxol compounds used in chemotherapy today. Fortunately for the trees, scientists have learned to semi-synthesize these complex taxol compounds.
