We marked a key milestone in the construction of the CAF Nature Education Center by
placing a wreath atop the roof structure in a traditional Topping Out Ceremony.
On January 3, The Cylburn Arboretum Friends (CAF) joined with Lewis Contractors, Ziger|Snead Architects, and Intreegue Design to celebrate a major milestone in the building of our Nature Education Center.
The roof structure was adorned with an evergreen wreath to celebrate the construction
process.
Traditionally, builders nail a tree branch to the topmost beam in this celebration. The tree is the key symbol and has been used by many different cultures throughout the years. In Egypt, using a tree honored those who had died during construction. In Scandinavia, a tree at the highest building point appeases the tree-dwelling spirits. In America, erecting a tree on the top of a new building reconciles with the Native American belief that no building should be taller than a tree.
To read more about our ceremony click here
