In the Ursus district’s Niedźwiadek estate, a narrow-leaved olive tree has taken the crown as Warsaw’s Tree of the Year 2024. Beloved by the community for its unique, twisting trunks and sprawling crown, this silver-leafed beauty has been a playground for generations, inspiring stories and memories from residents like Piotr Białek, who fondly recalls balancing on its “snake-like branches” as a child and later introducing them to his own children.

This award, organized by the Warsaw Greenery Board, aims to celebrate and preserve Warsaw’s green heritage by spotlighting exceptional trees. The Ursus olive won over half the votes, triumphing over 12 other contenders like Białołęka’s English oak and Wola’s common beech. On October 13, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled during a guided dendrological walk led by expert Jacek Borowski.

This cherished olive isn’t just a tree—it’s a reminder of the importance of green spaces in urban life, creating bonds across generations and supporting the ecosystem.