About The Story

Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree captures the connection we have to the earth and each other. The story symbolizes the challenges faced by many communities across the nation. How do we protect the natural world in the wake of development? It provides a new paradigm; not all trees in harm’s way need to be destroyed.

The story was created from the real life experiences of the author, Kay Brown Gustafson. As Chair of the Grandfather Tree Project in Eagan, Minnesota, she led the efforts to save a 45 foot high, 250 ton tree.

The Grandfather Tree Project itself received national attention.  It was featured in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Annual Report and received the Treescaping Award from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association’s Award of Excellence.  The project generated media attention from National Public Radio, as well as all major media in the Twin Cities area.