Sometime in the early 19th century, long before Bucharest expanded northward, a small acorn germinated in the rich forest soil of Băneasa. Surrounded by a mosaic of wetlands, clearings, and ancient woodland, the young oak grew slowly and steadily, shaped by the rhythms of the seasons and the ecosystems around it.

As Bucharest entered a period of rapid modernization, Băneasa Forest grew into a beloved recreation area for the city’s residents. Wandering paths, picnics, and early conservation efforts took shape around the forest. The oak —already a sizeable, mature tree — became part of the quiet green boundary between urban life and the stillness of nature.

Postwar Bucharest expanded northward, bringing new roads, neighborhoods, and institutions close to the forest’s edge. Despite urban growth, the forest remained a protected green lung of the city. The oak continued to thrive, witnessing decades of environmental change and shifting public attitudes toward conservation.

As Romania moved into the EU era, Băneasa Forest became a symbol of urban biodiversity and ecological value. Conservation groups began advocating for better stewardship of the forest, highlighting its role in cooling the city, sheltering wildlife, and preserving community well-being.

With the installation of non-invasive sensors capturing its microclimate signals, the Băneasa Oak becomes the first node in Romania’s HST network. Its story now unfolds publicly through photography, art, and data-driven interpretation, forming a new connection between the tree, the city, and a global creative community.

Globally acclaimed British composer Graham Fitkin begins the Treeline composition process with the first field recordings in Băneasa Forest. Using highly sensitive microphones capable of capturing subtle canopy movements, bark resonance, and the ambient textures surrounding the oak, Graham gathers the sonic material that will form the foundation of the project’s musical works. These early recordings mark the moment when the tree’s physical presence begins to shape the artistic language of Treeline.

In April, the photography and artwork cycles begin, inviting artists and visitors to reinterpret the oak through new creative perspectives. On May 17th, 2026, the Băneasa Oak’s data and story contribute to Fitkin's Treeline Bucharest concert, where music, ecology, and technology converge in a public performance celebrating the living rhythms of the forest. This marks the beginning of the tree’s active public life as a creative and ecological ambassador.