The Old Oak
Carl makes his home in a very important oak tree. He knows every branch, every hiding place, and exactly where he left at least some of his acorns.
🍂 A Canopy neighborhood legend
Meet Canopy Carl
He lives in the old oak, collects more acorns than anyone could possibly need, and has been carefully inspecting Canopy since the very first timber went up.
Very official. Extremely nosy. Usually hungry.
The legend of Carl
The squirrel who was here first
Long before the café started brewing coffee and the greenhouse filled with plants, Carl and his family lived in the oak trees behind Canopy.
The Great Inspection
When Canopy was being built, Carl watched every beam go up. He inspected the timber frame from above and quietly decided the humans were doing a pretty good job.
The Café Discovery
Then the café equipment arrived. Carl immediately investigated, mostly because he heard someone mention maple syrup. He has been checking the morning pastry smells ever since.
Carl's official qualifications
Nobody hired him.
Nobody can fire him.
Professional Nut Collector
Maple Syrup Enthusiast
Chief Canopy Inspector
Bird Feeder Quality Control
Expert Tree Climber
Full-Time Nosy Neighbor
Coffee Aroma Tester
Crumb Location Specialist
Carl's Rules of the Oak
Carl may be a squirrel, but he knows a thing or two about taking care of the neighborhood.
- 1Be kind to trees. They are somebody's home.
- 2Plant flowers for bees and butterflies.
- 3Never leave litter where paws or wings can find it.
- 4Share what you have—even if it is your last acorn.
- 5Look up once in a while. Carl may be watching.
Carl's curious corner
Squirrel questions, answered
Tap each question to learn something Carl thinks every young naturalist should know.
Why do squirrels bury acorns?
Squirrels hide food so they have something to eat later. They do not remember every hiding place, so some forgotten acorns can grow into new oak trees.
Does Carl really live in an oak tree?
That is what Carl says—and Carl is very confident about it. Squirrels often build leafy nests called dreys high in tree branches or use cozy tree hollows.
Why does Carl love maple syrup?
Nobody knows for sure. He lives in an oak, but he has a great appreciation for New York maple syrup. Carl believes a squirrel can love more than one kind of tree.
What should I do if I see Carl?
Wave hello, watch quietly, and let him stay wild. Please do not chase or feed him. Carl prefers to find his own snacks—and supervise yours from a respectful distance.
Your next Canopy mission
Can you spot Carl?
When you visit Canopy, keep your eyes on the trees, the greenhouse roof, and anywhere a cookie crumb might land. Carl is often nearby, making sure everything is in order.
Carl spotting tip: listen for rustling leaves
Remember: admire wildlife from a safe, kind distance.