Oregon Heritage Tree Program Celebrates 30 Years - Medford, Ashland, Eagle Point, Central Point (Photo) - 03/31/26
(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, invite communities across Oregon to shine a spotlight on their heritage trees in 2026, particularly during Arbor Month in April.
Founded in 1996, Oregon was the first state in the country to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. The goal of the program is to educate Oregonians about the value of these trees and promote their appreciation. Over the past 30 years, 85 trees have been designated across the state in 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Seventy-nine heritage trees are still living and provide the chance to engage the senses and learn about significant people, places and events at historic sites, public gardens, and hiking trails across the state.
Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg encourages the public to visit a state or local heritage tree. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens. All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past. Enjoying these trees today connects us with our history.”
State-designated heritage trees in the area:
Tub Springs Sugar Pine, Ashland: Regionally significant species with connection to Tub Springs, a historically popular resting place for travelers.
McCall Magnolia: Large magnolia that was planted in 1890 in front of the renowned home of John M. and Mary Elizabeth McCall in memory of John's daughter Elsie, who died in 1890.
Beall Black Walnut, Central Point: Robert Beall, an Oregon Trail pioneer and prominent Jackson County farmer, planted this tree in 1864 to commemorate his marriage.
Hanley Farm Willow, Jacksonville: Planted by Martha Hanley in 1860 to commemorate her son's birth, the willow cutting was obtained from the pioneer Luelling Nursery.
Britt Sequoia, Jacksonville: Peter Britt, pioneer photographer, painter, and horticulturist, planted this tree on March 22, 1862, the day of his son Emil's birth.
Lonesome Hickory, Shady Grove: Mary Louisa Black planted this tree in 1866 from the nuts she carried from Missouri on the Oregon Trail in 1865.
Harry & David Comice Pear Trees, Medford: Ten Comice pear trees from an original Harry & David grove. Harry & David helped shape the pear industry in the region.
These trees and more can be located using this map: https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/oregon-heritage-tree-map/
Individuals, cities, tourism organizations, and heritage groups are invited to nominate a tree with documented historic significance to the state.
Al Tocchini, vice-chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee says he and fellow members share a clear vision for the future of program- to be more inclusive. “In particular, we are seeking underrepresented stories of Oregon’s diverse populations in places that are accessible to the general public.”
The nomination form can be found at: oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.
The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. The Travel Information Council is a semi-independent state agency created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.
