By now, anyone who has driven along East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin lately has noticed the 10-foot-tall tree carving standing outside the municipal complex. Professional carver Kevin Treat spent three days last week transforming the ailing beech tree trunk into a symbol of the area’s natural landscape and values.

“They wanted a composition that reflected the spirit of the community,” he said, stepping away from the chainsaw for a brief chat on Wednesday, Sept.