Heritage Tree Dedications-Southern Oregon Style
Oregon is a state renowned for its magnificent trees. To increase public awareness of the important part trees play in Oregon’s history and heritage, the Oregon Heritage Tree program was established in 1995. It is the first state-sponsored heritage program in the nation and is operated under the auspices of the Travel Information Council.

Oregon heritage trees are individual and groups of trees that have been designated as significant because of their importance in national, state or regional history.

In April 2008, two trees in Southern Oregon were dedicated. One tree is the Hanley Farm Willow, which was planted by Martha Hanley in 1860 to commemorate her son’s birth. The willow cutting was obtained from the pioneer Luelling Nursery in Milwaukie Oregon and was transported to Southern Oregon stuck in a potato. Legend has it that every time something happened to a female Hanley the tree would react in some fashion. When Alice Hanley passed away in 1940 the tree fell over- however it did not die. It is very much alive.

The second dedication was the Silver Maple at Seven Oaks Farm. Doreen Bohnert Bradshaw explained that the maple is considered remarkable for its age and size. It measures 92 feet tall with a crown spread of 100 feet and circumference of over 19 feet. The tree was planted in 1860 as shade for a still standing log cabin that served as a store and a stage coach stop during the late 1800’s. In the early 20th century, John Bohnert purchased the farm, which his descendents continue to operate and sell its produce, earning the “Farm Family of the Year” award from Governor Barbara Roberts.

If you know of a tree that should nominated for designation please contact jim@oregontic.com.

For more information about the program visit www.oregontic.com/heritage.