About Heritage Trees

What does it take for a tree to be recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tree? Oregon Travel Experience researches each tree nomination with a dedicated group of volunteers. Certain criteria such as accessibility to the public, tree health and historic significance all play a role in whether or not a tree or grove qualifies.

Honored groves, single trees or groups of trees have something in common with one another no matter what the species – they are trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past; trees that have survived natural disasters or stand as silent sentries to the passage of time. And that’s only a small part of what makes an Oregon Heritage Tree compelling.

Heritage Tree Committee
Serving on the Heritage Tree Committee are experts from many fields, including forestry, parks service, geological and environmental studies and heritage programs. The all-volunteer Heritage Tree Committee is always interested in new members and young ideas. You just need to love and appreciate trees and be willing to attend quarterly meetings.

The following members serve Oregon proudly:

Nancy Appling, Maynard Drawson, Mike Fontenot, George Forbes, Doug Grafe, Jennifer Karps (Chair), Charlotte Lehan Craig Leech (Vice Chair), Peter McDonald, Molly McKnight, Tim Nitz, Arne Nyberg, Paul Ries, Al Tocchini

Technical resources
Interested in nominating a tree? Read more about the two-step process.

Would you like to serve on the committee? Contact us.

“Friend” us on Facebook
Oregon Travel Experience’s heritage programs Facebook page is an excellent way to learn about special events and glean historical nuggets about heritage trees and historical markers. You can follow us by clicking on the Facebook icon.