CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, July 28 (UPI) -- Volunteer fire departments in three Texas cities have come to the aid of a 1,000-year-old tree, watering it during the area's extended drought, officials said.
The Big Tree in Goose Island State Park near Corpus Christi, one of the largest oak trees in the country, was watered Wednesday by fire trucks from Fulton, Rockport and Lamar, the Corpus Christi Call Times reported.
About 11,000 gallons of water directed at the base of the tree simulated a half an inch of rainfall, park officials said, and the tree would be watered every 10 to 14 days as long as the drought goes on.
Goliad resident King David, 79, said he has visited the park and the tree at least once a year for the last decade.
"I wouldn't miss coming and sitting by it for nothing," he said. "God put it out here for a reason."
Fulton volunteer firefighter Richard Butler said he has been visiting the Big Tree site for about 30 years
He remembers playing at the tree as a child to play and is glad he was able to give back to it, he said.
"It's good history. I want to be part of it. 'Here I am, Mr. Oak,' " he said.
