Cottam’s Oaks Sculpture

Walter Cottam’s Oaks. A testament to a man’s vision and dedication. Here at the University of Utah, Cottam’s Oaks stand as silent sentinels. They whisper tales of a time when this campus was on the verge of losing a natural treasure. Cottam’s Gulch, a tranquil gully behind the Crocker Science Center, was slated to be filled in the 1930s. Buildings were to replace the trees and grass. But Walter P. “Doc” Cottam, a botany professor and early ecologist, saw the value in preserving this natural space. He fought for the gulch. He won. He then transformed it into a living laboratory. Cottam planted native and experimental trees, including a zelkova, a pagoda, a large cottonwood, and even a giant sequoia. But his most significant contribution? The hybrid oaks. Cottam crossed Utah live oaks with local Gambel oaks. This created hardy trees that hold their leaves through winter. These “Cottam’s Oaks” are more than just trees. They’re living sculptures. They embody Cottam’s research. Each fall, acorns are collected from these hybrids. They are then grown and sold, carrying Cottam’s legacy beyond the university walls. Cottam’s Gulch has seen a lot over the years. Sorority and fraternity parties. Theater department plays. Romantic encounters under the whispering leaves. This tranquil spot remains a beloved part of the university’s history. It’s a place where the passion of a dedicated scientist and the peace of nature intertwine.